This time, the focus is on the so-called “core three,” made up of members of the Armed Forces and a Federal Police officer.

Presented by the Attorney General’s Office, the indictment states that this group coordinated strategic actions aimed at persuading the Army’s high command to support former President Jair Bolsonaro to continued ruling, even after his defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the polls.

The Federal Public Prosecutor’s indictment states that the members of core three “acted to operationally facilitate the coup attempt,” bridging the gap between the leadership of the alleged plot (cores one and two, comprised of Bolsonaro, ministers, and advisors) and the rank and file of the Armed Forces.

This is the first time since the end of the military dictatorship (1964-1985) that such a significant number of senior officers face formal accusations of participating in a plot to subvert the democratic order.

In addition to facing charges in the Supreme Court, these officers could face legal action in the Supreme Military Tribunal.

The set of charges is broad and includes attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, coup d’état, formation of an armed criminal organization, serious damages, and damage to public property protected by cataloging.

abo/jdt/jha/ocs