Brazil’s Prosecutor-General, Paulo Gonet, has formally charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with orchestrating a coup attempt to remain in power following his 2022 electoral defeat. The indictment alleges that Bolsonaro and 33 associates devised a scheme, dubbed “Green and Yellow Dagger,” which included plans to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The charges, submitted to the Supreme Court, accuse Bolsonaro and his allies of forming an armed criminal organization intent on subverting Brazil’s democratic institutions. The alleged plot aimed to sow distrust in the electoral system, coerce military leaders, and incite unrest in the capital. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 20 years in prison.
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. His supporters echo this sentiment, asserting that the charges are an attempt to hinder his political resurgence.
The indictment is supported by substantial evidence, including manuscripts, digital files, and communications that purportedly detail the conspiracy. Investigations reveal that the plan involved clandestine surveillance and the misuse of public resources. Notably, the scheme reportedly failed due to a lack of support from key military figures.
