Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Given 24 Hours to Surrender Passport Amid Investigation into Storming of Congress
Brazil’s ex-President Jair Bolsonaro has been given 24 hours to surrender his passport as part of an ongoing investigation into the storming of Brazil’s Congress in 2023. The police accuse him of leading a failed plot to remain in power after losing the election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro, however, claims that the operation is politically motivated.
The investigation into the storming of Congress has taken a significant turn with the arrest of three of Bolsonaro’s allies and the detention of the head of his political party. These individuals are suspected of plotting to keep Bolsonaro in power following his election defeat in October 2022. The police allege that they spread doubts about the electoral system, which became a rallying cry for Bolsonaro’s supporters, who believed that the election was stolen from him.
According to the police, these actions set the stage for a potential coup. However, when the armed forces did not support the coup, Bolsonaro’s frustrated supporters resorted to storming Congress, the building housing the Supreme Court and the presidential palace on January 8, 2023. It is worth noting that Bolsonaro himself was in the US when this attack took place.
In response to the recent developments, Bolsonaro has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “I left the government more than a year ago and I continue to suffer relentless persecution.” He further added, “Forget about me. There is already someone else running the country.” Bolsonaro’s lawyer confirmed that he would comply with the order to hand over his passport.
Despite facing numerous investigations, Bolsonaro returned to Brazil in March 2023, two months after the storming of Congress, claiming that he had nothing to fear. However, in June of the same year, he was banned from running for office for eight years due to casting unfounded doubts on Brazil’s electronic voting system.
While Bolsonaro’s legal troubles have been ongoing, the investigation into the events of January 8, 2023, has garnered significant attention. The Brazilian federal police have provided limited details about the operation carried out on Thursday, but they have stated that it targeted a “criminal organization involved in the attempted coup.”
Over the past year, more than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with their alleged roles in the riots. However, only a few dozen have been convicted so far.
The developments surrounding Bolsonaro and the storming of Congress highlight the deep political divisions in Brazil. The investigation into the events of 2023 continues to unfold, shedding light on the alleged plot to undermine democracy and keep Bolsonaro in power. As the former president faces mounting legal challenges, the country awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
Related Topics:
Jair Bolsonaro
Brazil