Tue Nov 19 14:15:46 UTC 2024: ## Brazilian Police Arrest Five in Coup Plot Targeting Lula
**São Paulo, Brazil – November 19, 2024** – Brazilian authorities have arrested five officers – four military and one police – on charges of plotting a coup to overthrow President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following the 2022 elections. The plot, uncovered by an ongoing police investigation, allegedly included plans to assassinate President Lula, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
According to Justice Moraes, who authorized the arrests, the investigation revealed the plot involved members of the Army’s Special Forces and a retired high-ranking official. The objective, he stated, was to prevent Lula’s inauguration and undermine Brazilian democracy and the judiciary. The alleged conspirators’ actions peaked between November and December 2022, forming part of a wider coup d’état plan.
These arrests follow revelations earlier this year that two top military leaders reported former President Jair Bolsonaro presented them with a plan to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. While the leaders refused and threatened arrest should Bolsonaro attempt the plan, the information adds to the mounting legal challenges faced by Bolsonaro. Prosecutors are investigating potential links between Bolsonaro and the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia, which saw government buildings vandalized a week after Lula’s inauguration. The police operation involved five arrest warrants, three search and seizure warrants, passport seizures, and communication restrictions for the suspects.
First Piper 