On February 18, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged with orchestrating a scheme to destabilize the government and undermine the country's 40-year-old democracy following his defeat in the 2022 election, further diminishing his slim chances of a political resurgence.
The charges stem from a two-year police investigation into a movement that denied the election outcome, culminating in unrest by Bolsonaro supporters in the capital early in 2023, shortly after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva assumed office.
Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of heading a "criminal organization" with intentions to disrupt the established order in the nation, including alleged plans to harm Lula.
A total of 34 individuals, including military officials such as Bolsonaro's former national security adviser, retired General Augusto Heleno, and former Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos, were implicated in the conspiracy.
Analysts speculate that Bolsonaro may not be detained pending trial unless Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes deems him a flight risk.
This development mirrors the legal challenges faced by former U.S. President Donald Trump following the 2020 election. However, Bolsonaro's legal team stressed in a statement that he has never supported any efforts to undermine Brazil's democratic institutions.
Bolsonaro, who has denied any wrongdoing, faces a potential ban from holding future office if convicted, impacting his ability to run in the 2026 presidential election.