NextFin news, On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Brazil's Attorney General's Office (PGR) confirmed it will indict former President Jair Bolsonaro and his son, Federal Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, on charges of coercion and attempting to abolish the democratic state. The announcement follows a Federal Police investigation into their alleged efforts to pressure authorities involved in the ongoing coup plot case.
The indictment was formally presented on Wednesday, September 20, 2025, by the Federal Police to the Supreme Federal Court (STF). The charges accuse the Bolsonaros of coercing judicial authorities and attempting to violently undermine Brazil's democratic institutions.
According to the Federal Police, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has been residing in the United States since February 2025, allegedly sought to influence the U.S. government to impose retaliatory measures against Brazil and its Supreme Court ministers. This includes efforts to encourage sanctions and tariffs targeting Brazilian products, as well as financial sanctions against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the STF minister overseeing the coup investigation.
The Attorney General's Office is also examining evidence that Jair Bolsonaro attempted to evade justice by planning to seek asylum in Argentina. A draft asylum request addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei was found on Bolsonaro's cellphone during investigations. This document, undated and unsigned, dates back to 2024 amid earlier accusations related to the coup plot.
Jair Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August 4, 2025, ordered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, due to violations of court-imposed restrictions, including a ban on social media use. The Federal Police have requested increased surveillance to prevent any flight risk, citing Bolsonaro's proximity to the U.S. Embassy in Brasília and intercepted communications.
In addition to the indictment, the Attorney General's Office is considering whether to convert Jair Bolsonaro's house arrest into preventive detention, pending its assessment of alleged breaches of judicial measures and flight risk. The final decision rests with Justice Moraes.
The Bolsonaros' defense has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, describing the Federal Police report as politically motivated and asserting compliance with judicial restrictions. They also rejected claims of flight risk, noting the asylum draft dates from early 2024 and emphasizing Jair Bolsonaro's adherence to court orders.
Further complicating the case, an audio recording obtained during a search of Bolsonaro's associates reveals discussions linking the approval of amnesty for those convicted in the coup plot to negotiations over tariffs imposed on Brazilian products by the U.S. government. The recording implicates Bolsonaro in conditioning political negotiations on amnesty votes.
The investigation and indictment mark a significant development in Brazil's efforts to uphold democratic rule and hold accountable those accused of attempting to subvert the constitutional order. The Supreme Federal Court is expected to proceed with the trial of Jair Bolsonaro and other defendants in early September 2025.
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