Brazilian police conducted raids across the country on Thursday, targeting close associates of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The federal agency also sought to seize the passport of Bolsonaro. The operation was authorized by the Supreme Court regarding the allegations of a plot to overturn the results of the presidential election in 2022, where Bolsonaro was defeated y current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.While Bolsonaro himself wasnt subjected to searches, he was ordered to surrender his passport. Police also claimed that they targeted a criminal organization allegedly involved in attempting a coup to keep Bolsonaro in power. Notably in January 2023, hundreds of pro-Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings after his election loss.BREAKING: Brazilian authorities have raided the home of former President Jair Bolsonaro & seized his passport, they claim he tried to overthrow the government by questioning the 2022 Brazil elections... sound familiarThey also targeted over 45 of his close allies... sound… pic.twitter.com/FNXrO1Rpse— George (@BehizyTweets) February 8, 2024Authorities executed four arrest warrants and carried out 33 searches across eight states and the capital Brasilia. The investigation alleges the group had planned to declare electoral fraud even before the votes were cast in order to enable and legitimize military intervention. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized the raids, also ordering unnamed suspects to surrender their passports and be suspended from public duties within 24 hours.Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaros lawyer, confirmed the former presidents compliance with the passport order. Bolsonaro already faces political ineligibility until 2030 for spreading election misinformation and is entangled in several criminal probes. Search warrants reportedly targeted properties linked to Bolsonaros former running mate, national security advisor, defense minister, and justice minister, among others.🚨 Brazils federal police on Thursday sought to confiscate former President Jair Bolsonaros passport and arrest some of his closest aides, sources said, as part of an investigation into an alleged coup attempt after he lost the 2022 election.#Brazil pic.twitter.com/E9KGXiaUDv— Truth Media 📹 (@GuideandEnlight) February 8, 2024Disrespect for democracy, says Prez Lula da SivaPresident Lula da Silva emphasized the importance of investigating the coup attempt to prevent similar occurrences. When asked about his views in an interview, he refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. There was an attempted coup, disrespect for democracy, and an attempt to destroy years of democratic progress, he stated, adding, Without Bolsonaro, there wouldnt have been a coup attempt.Bolsonaro denis involvemnet While in the United States during the January 2023 riots, Bolsonaro consistently denied involvement and labeled the investigation politically motivated. He declined to comment on the current investigation during a Thursday radio interview.Uncertainties aboundWhile the full picture remains to unfold, the actions indicate a determined effort to investigate and potentially prosecute those alleged to be involved in the coup attempt. The implications for Bolsonaro and his associates, as well as broader political tensions in Brazil, remain to be seen.
