The Federal Police of Brazil is investigating Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people “violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d’état and illicit association”. The investigations focus on a possible plot to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency.
The investigation, which covers a broad spectrum of actions and meetings, has gathered six key pieces of evidence linking the former president to the plan. It should be remembered that the assault on the Plaza de los Tres Poderes in Brasilia took place on January 8, 2023.when supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro invaded the buildings of Brazil’s three powers in an attempt to overthrow the then-president-elect. Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva.
Meetings with the armed forces
Prominent among the evidence are Bolsonaro’s meetings with senior military commanders. In a meeting at Alvorada Palace on December 7, 2022, he presented a plan to declare a state of siege and create a commission to investigate the 2022 elections.
Generals Marco Antônio Freire Gomes and Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior confirmed the existence of this proposal, presented a few days after Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat. The investigation analyzes the nature and extent of these conversations, as well as the possible role of the military in the plan.
Compromising documents found
Draft decrees were found in the home of the former Minister of Justice, Anderson Torres. These documents, some dated 2022 and mentioning Bolsonaro, raised interventions at the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and the possibility of new elections.
Although they were not signed or made official, the investigation suggests that Bolsonaro reviewed them and requested changes before leaving office. Its content and the extent of the former president’s participation in its preparation are analyzed.
The investigation also reveals a document titled “Green-Yellow Dagger”, which details a plan to assassinate key figures such as Lula da Silva, Geraldo Alckmin and Alexandre de Moraes. The monitoring of Moraes, key to electoral supervision, would be directed by Mário Fernandes, with the participation of Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid. The federal police believe the aim was to kidnap and kill the magistrate. The chain of command and the feasibility of the plan are examined.
Print documents at Palazzo Planalto
The documents relating to the “Green-Yellow Dagger” project were printed in the Planalto Palace.using state resources. General Mario Fernandes made six copies on December 16, 2022, which were then distributed during private meetings. The next day he visited the Alvorada Palace, presumably to present the material to Bolsonaro and other aides. This reveals the use of public resources for the conspiracy.
Before the elections, Bolsonaro met with members of his cabinet at the Planalto Palace to discuss strategies in case of defeat. Augusto Heleno, head of the Office for Institutional Security, suggested ”changing the situation” before the elections. Mário Fernandes proposed “a small risk of disorganization of the country” if intervention in electoral supervision was not allowed. It is being investigated whether these proposals constituted a premeditated plan.
Using the Liberal Party to spread conspiracy theories
The Liberal Party (PL), led by Bolsonaro, has spread stories of electoral fraud. These allegations culminated in a lawsuit to invalidate the election results.
Bolsonaro’s electoral committee was used to promote actions that encouraged military intervention. The role of the party in spreading disinformation and attempting to delegitimize the electoral process is studied.
What are the primary legal challenges Jair Bolsonaro is facing in the ongoing investigation?
Interview: Unpacking the Investigation into Jair Bolsonaro
Editor of Time.news: Welcome to today’s discussion. We’re here with Dr. Mariana Santos, a political analyst and expert on Brazilian politics, to delve into the ongoing investigation involving former President Jair Bolsonaro and several others. Dr. Santos, it’s great to have you here.
Dr. Mariana Santos: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for Brazil’s democracy, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Federal Police of Brazil are investigating Bolsonaro and 36 others for what they describe as “violent abolition of the democratic rule of law.” Can you give us a bit of background on the events leading up to this investigation?
Dr. Santos: Certainly. The investigation primarily stems from the January 8, 2023, assault on the Plaza de los Tres Poderes in Brasília, where Bolsonaro’s supporters invaded government buildings in an attempt to overturn the election results that favored Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This attack raised alarming concerns about the stability of Brazil’s democracy and led to scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s actions and communications leading up to it.
Editor: Among the evidence, investigations highlight meetings between Bolsonaro and high-ranking military officials. What do these meetings indicate about the military’s involvement or stance during this period?
Dr. Santos: The meetings, particularly one held on December 7, 2022, at the Alvorada Palace, are quite telling. Bolsonaro allegedly presented a plan to declare a state of siege, proposing to investigate the 2022 elections under the justification of alleged irregularities. The involvement of military generals confirms that there was considerable discussion and possibly a coordinated effort to undermine the electoral outcomes. This is concerning because it blurs the lines between civilian governance and military involvement in politics.
Editor: There have been reports of compromising documents found in the home of former Minister of Justice Anderson Torres. Can you explain what these documents entail, and why they are particularly significant to this investigation?
Dr. Santos: Yes, the documents include draft decrees that seem to outline interventions at Brazil’s Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and even suggest the possibility of holding new elections. Although these drafts weren’t signed, the investigation is examining their content closely, especially since they indicate that Bolsonaro may have reviewed and requested amendments before leaving office. This further suggests a premeditated attempt to challenge and potentially overturn the electoral process.
Editor: Additionally, there’s mention of a disturbing document called the “Green-Yellow Dagger,” which allegedly details assassination plans against key political figures. What implications does this hold for Brazil’s political climate?
Dr. Santos: The existence of such a document is deeply troubling and signals a dangerous escalation in political extremism. It suggests that there were plans not just to undermine the democratic process but to eliminate those who were pivotal in that process—figures like Lula, former Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Such threats can instill fear and division within society, making it harder for Brazil to move forward in a united manner. The investigation into this document reflects a critical need to address both political violence and threats to public figures in order to safeguard democratic integrity.
Editor: With the breadth of this investigation, what do you think the potential outcomes could be for Bolsonaro and the others implicated?
Dr. Santos: The outcomes could range widely. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face significant legal ramifications, including imprisonment. More profoundly, however, this investigation could initiate a broader reflection on democratic values in Brazil and potentially lead to reforms that strengthen institutions. Regardless of the individual consequences for Bolsonaro, the investigation underscores a pivotal moment for Brazilian democracy, where citizens must confront the challenges posed by anti-democratic sentiments.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights on these pressing issues. It will be crucial to see how this investigation unfolds and its impact on Brazil’s future.
Dr. Santos: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep the conversation going, as the stakes for democracy are incredibly high.