New document reveals coup plan in detail, with Bolsonaro's full approval

Tereza Cruvinel (247) - The Federal Police inquiry report on the coup attempt completely disproved Jair Bolsonaro's denials of involvement, hours after he rejected any participation. Based on a wealth of evidence, the report confirmed that Bolsonaro “planned, acted, and had direct and effective control” over the entire coup plan.

While military coup-style takeovers have fallen out of favor, replaced by more modern forms of democratic erosion, Bolsonaro's coup and his allies' plans were old-fashioned. The plan failed due to a lack of support from the Army and Air Force commanders. Facing failure, Bolsonaro sought refuge in the U.S., abandoning his conspirators, who, in desperation, resorted to a last-ditch attempt by mobilizing campers stationed across the country to attack centers of power.

The coup details were outlined in a document, previously undisclosed, found at the headquarters of the Liberal Party (PL) on the desk of General Braga Netto's aide, Colonel Peregrino. The handwritten document was in a folder labeled "important memories" and titled "Operation 142," referring to the far-right's misinterpretation of Article 142 of the Constitution, which they falsely claimed allowed military intervention in cases of conflict between government branches or serious disruption of order.

The document included the phrase "Lula does not climb the ramp," encapsulating the coup's goal: to prevent the legitimately elected president from taking office. It detailed planned actions under the heading "Lines of Effort," which included:

• Legal framing under Article 142 (Attorney General and Ministry of Justice).
• Political commitment: convening the Council of the Republic and Defense.
• National TV and radio address.
• Preparation (rehearsals) of troops for direct actions.
• Mobilizing jurists and opinion leaders.
• Preparing releases for later dissemination.
• Halting the transition process.
• Nullifying STF's arbitrary acts.

What was left unsaid but already known: eliminating Lula, Alckmin, and Alexandre de Moraes. Like in 1964, it would have been followed by the removal of opponents, suspension of constitutional guarantees, and an act of force symbolizing the spirit of dictatorship, like the infamous AI-5 decree.

If Brazil narrowly escaped this plot, those responsible must not escape justice, ensuring no one dares attack the democratic state and the will of the people again.