Today, the Brazilian federal police indicted Jair Bolsonaro and 36 top aides for plotting to assassinate in 2022 Lula as part of a coup plot.
The indictments dealt a body blow to Brazil's right wing, as Bolsonaro's most trusted allies were indicted. Among the 37 indicted were Walter Bragga Neto, Vice Presidential pick, Valdemar Costa Neto, the head of Bolsonaro's political party, the PL, and Bolsonaro's intelligence chief, Augusto Heleno.
The indictments are a body blow to the legitimacy of Bolsonaro's political party, the PL, as they prepare for the 2026 Presidential election in Brazil.
Since many low-level aides were indicted, several may likely turn state evidence on other illegal schemes to avoid jail time.
The plot to assassinate Lula was revealed by Bolsonaro's top military aide, Mauro Cid. He was already facing charges for helping Bolsonaro forge a COVID-19 vaccine card and illegally selling Rolex watches given to Bolsonaro in violation of Brazilian ethics.
The indictments will likely strengthen Lula's political support ahead of the Brazilian presidential election. Lula continues to maintain a commanding lead in most polls.
Interestingly, the indictments come as Lula hosted the G-20 in Rio de Janeiro, the first time the G-20 has ever convened in Brazil.; helping to cement Lula's role as a global leader in the fight against fascism.
The indictments come in stark contrast to the actions of US Attorney General Merrick Garland, who dithered in indicting and arresting Trump for plotting a coup in the United States in which seven people died.
This story is developing, and Payday will update later in the day as we learn more.
