Brazil's Bolsonaro Faces Criminal Charges for Alleged Coup Plot

The former president could face over 40 years in prison after being accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to overturn election results and target political opponents.

Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with crimes including plotting a coup, armed criminal association, and attempts to abolish the rule of law after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The indictment details an alleged two-year conspiracy involving disinformation campaigns, street unrest, and plans to neutralize opponents through violence, including assassination attempts using poison and firearms.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence exceeding 40 years, marking a potential end to his political career after already being banned from seeking office until 2030.
Brazil's judiciary and institutions have been widely praised for defending democracy, with analysts contrasting their actions to the U.S.'s handling of similar allegations against Donald Trump.
The case has intensified a power struggle within Brazil's right-wing movement, as Bolsonaro's potential successors, including his wife and son, begin positioning themselves for future leadership.