Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has unanimously accepted charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies for crimes of state coup and attempting to abolish the democratic rule of law. The decision marks the first time a former president has been indicted for crimes against the democratic order established by the 1988 Constitution.
The charges, presented by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR), accuse Bolsonaro of being aware of a plan to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes. The PGR also alleges Bolsonaro knew about a draft decree to execute a coup in the country.
The First Panel of the STF voted to indict seven of Bolsonaro's allies in the same criminal action. Bolsonaro is also seeking political and legal avenues to defend himself, regain eligibility, and remain a candidate for the right wing, including seeking amnesty for those involved in the coup attempts and changing the Clean Record Law.