Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro to be questioned over January 8 riots

Judge Alexandre de Moraes agreed to the request of the country's top prosecutor, who said Bolsonaro's testimony was an "indispensable" step to clarify what happened.

Security forces acting as supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro demonstrate against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, at Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

Far-right Bolsonaro supporters invaded and vandalized Brazil's Congress, Presidential Palace and Supreme Court a week after leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office, protesting his victory in October's election and calling for a military coup.

Mr Bolsonaro has denied any responsibility for the riots - which were reminiscent of the 2021 storming of the US Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

He has argued that he left the country in self-imposed exile in Florida, where he arrived two days before his term ended, without ever admitting defeat.

His critics say he incited the riots by inciting supporters with attacks on Lula and by repeatedly criticizing Brazil's electoral system, which he claimed was rigged, although he never provided evidence.

Mr Bolsonaro returned to Brazil in March but faces legal investigations into his attacks on the voting system and his alleged role in encouraging supporters to storm Brasilia on 8 January.

Federal election prosecutors have asked the Supreme Electoral Court to ban Bolsonaro from holding elected office for eight years for allegedly hacking the voting system during a meeting he convened with the diplomatic corps in July.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuu-tong-thong-brazil-bolsonaro-se-bi-tham-van-ve-cuoc-bao-loan-ngay-8-1-post243817.html