Sao Paulo, Brazil - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva disclosed on Thursday an alleged plot to poison him and his Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, mere days prior to his inauguration in 2022.
During an event at the presidential residence, Lula expressed his gratitude for his survival, emphasizing the importance of his life, as reported by CNN. He stated, "I have to be very thankful now, even more so because I am alive. The attempt to poison me and [Vice President] Alckmin did not work, we are here."
This disclosure comes amidst an investigation into a coup plot following the 2022 elections, with former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others facing charges, as reported by CNN Brasil. The investigation alleges that Bolsonaro was fully aware of the plans to obstruct Lula's inauguration after his electoral triumph.
The Federal Police have submitted a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court detailing the investigation's findings. This report, which spans hundreds of pages, outlines the plans to assassinate Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The methods discussed include poison and explosives, as reported by police officials.
On Tuesday, five individuals, including Bolsonaro's former advisor and retired general Mario Fernandes, were apprehended in connection with the alleged plot. These individuals aimed to establish an "Institutional Crisis Management Office" with the intention of seizing governmental control.
In response to the indictment, Bolsonaro has indicated that he has not yet reviewed the charges. In a statement on social media, he expressed his intention to wait for the legal team's assessment. He acknowledged that the matter would proceed to the Attorney General's Office, where the legal battle would commence. Bolsonaro also criticized Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of orchestrating the investigation, manipulating testimonies, and engaging in questionable practices.
The indictment also includes former Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, ex-Security Chief Augusto Heleno, and other high-ranking officials. Bolsonaro's son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, has dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating, "As disgusting as it may be to think about killing someone, it is not a crime."
This investigation further intensifies the existing tensions following the January 8 riots, during which Bolsonaro's supporters engaged in violent protests against the inauguration of Lula da Silva.
