Status: 01/18/2023 07:37 a.m
The riots in Brazil’s capital have another aftermath: President Lula suspended 40 members of the Brazilian military who had been guarding his residence. He suspects a conspiracy by the armed forces.
Brazil’s head of state takes action after the riots in the government district at the beginning of January: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva relieved dozens of security forces who were stationed in his residence. Corresponding decrees were published in the official gazette of the government.
Most affected are 40 low-ranking military personnel such as privates, privates and non-commissioned officers who worked in the administration and security service of the “Palacio da Alvorada” in the capital Brasilia. The authorities in Brasilia on Monday increased the number of MPs guarding the President’s office, Congress and the Supreme Court from 248 to 500.
Lula suspects members of the military
On January 8, supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro, who had just been replaced by Lula, stormed Congress, the seat of government and the Supreme Court in Brasilia, causing extensive damage. Left-wing politician Lula accused his right-wing predecessor of inciting his supporters, which Bolsonaro denies.
Lula early expressed the suspicion that the rioters must have colluded with members of the armed forces and the federal police of the capital district. The Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into the possible responsibility of politicians and the military.
More than 2,000 suspects were arrested after the attack on the government district. Almost 1,200 of them are in custody. On Monday, prosecutors filed charges against 39 suspects. They are charged with forming an armed criminal organization, damaging public property and attempting a coup d’état.
Second suspect arrested
At the same time, investigations into the failed attempt on President Lula are progressing: a second suspect has been arrested. The 32-year-old turned himself in to the police in the state of Mato Grosso, a police statement said. A third suspect is still on the run.
A first suspect was arrested shortly after the failed bomb attack on Christmas Eve in Brasília. The man, a supporter of ex-President Bolsonaro, is said to have planted explosive devices on a tanker truck in an attempt to spread chaos before the change of power. He wanted to prevent the “introduction of communism in Brazil,” the accused told investigators.