Bolsonaro Seeks Amnesty Amid Coup Plot Charges

Bolsonaro's push for amnesty prompts serious legal consequences
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Feb 20, 2025 11:32 AM CST
Bolsonaro Seeks Amnesty Amid Coup Plot Charges
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrives for a luncheon with senators from his support base, at the National Congress building in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.   (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claims former President Jair Bolsonaro is acknowledging his guilt in plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. Bolsonaro is promoting a bill to pardon those convicted of the January 8, 2023, insurrection in Brasilia. Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet charged Bolsonaro with aiming to remain in power, allegedly planning to poison Lula and target Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin.

Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as vague and politically motivated. He is banned from running for office until 2030 due to previous misconduct. Lula emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, urging Bolsonaro to prove his innocence in court, and said: "I always emphasize the presumption of innocence—everyone in this country has the right to prove their innocence and he has that right. So prove it." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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