Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with attempting a coup following his 2022 election defeat, marking a dramatic escalation in the legal battles surrounding the far-right leader.

The charges, brought by Brazil’s chief prosecutor, accuse Bolsonaro of leading a criminal organization that sought to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office.

Bolsonaro, 69, faces five criminal charges, including:

• Conspiring to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes
• Allegedly plotting to poison President Lula
• Orchestrating efforts to overturn the 2022 election results

The former leader has denied any wrongdoing, calling the case a politically motivated attack.

The Supreme Court will now determine whether to proceed with a trial. If the case moves forward, Bolsonaro and 33 co-conspirators—including political allies and military figures—will be formally charged and required to stand trial.

Bolsonaro was previously banned from running for office for eight years after spreading false claims that Brazil’s electronic voting system was rigged.

His refusal to accept the 2022 election results culminated in the January 8, 2023, riots, during which thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, mirroring the U.S. Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.

A federal police report released three months ago accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating the coup attempt by enlisting key military figures to support his effort. Prosecutors argue that Bolsonaro and his allies engaged in a coordinated plan to prevent Lula from assuming office.

The case has further polarized Brazil’s political landscape:

• Bolsonaro’s opponents welcome the charges, arguing that he must be held accountable and jailed.
• His supporters claim he is being politically persecuted and continue to rally behind him.

Despite his political ban, Bolsonaro remains a powerful figure in Brazil, and his trial could serve as a flashpoint for his base ahead of future elections.

The Supreme Court is expected to move forward with the trial later this year, a decision that could reshape Brazil’s political future and hold lasting consequences for Bolsonaro and his allies.