Brazilian Police Detain Five Individuals Linked to Coup Conspiracy to Assassinate President
Brazilian authorities have taken into custody five military personnel in connection with an alleged coup attempt that involved the assassination of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his vice-president just weeks ahead of their swearing-in.
This development represents the first instance in the ongoing investigation where federal police have revealed that those involved in the coup conspired to kill the two individuals, who had recently emerged victorious in a contentious presidential election.
According to the police statement, the majority of those under investigation are military personnel trained in Special Forces, indicating “a high level of technical-military knowledge” reflected in their plans.
“A comprehensive operational plan dubbed ‘Green and Yellow Dagger’ was uncovered, intended for execution on December 15, 2022, targeting the assassination of the duly elected president and vice-president,” the statement outlined.
Among the measures taken are prohibitions preventing the suspects from leaving the country or from communicating with each other.
Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated against Brazil’s prohibition of X/Twitter in September. Reports suggest the former president may be implicated in the assassination scheme.
“Investigations suggest that the criminal organization utilized a significant level of technical-military expertise to strategize, coordinate, and implement illicit activities during November and December 2022,” the statement added.
Mr. Lula triumphed in the presidential election held in October 2022, defeating the right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, and officially took office in January 2023.
The ongoing federal police inquiry is anticipated to conclude that Mr. Bolsonaro conspired to orchestrate the attempted coup following his electoral loss, as informed by a source with direct knowledge of the investigations to Reuters last month. The inquiry is projected to wrap up this month.
The Brazilian army oversaw the federal operation against the coup conspirators, which took place in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Goias, Amazonas, and the Federal District.
Police further disclosed that the suspects had intended to establish an “Institutional Crisis Management Office” to handle complications arising from the coup.
Additionally, they had plans to abduct and assassinate a Supreme Court justice if their efforts succeeded, according to police information, though the judge’s identity was not disclosed.
