Top Brazil court orders investigation into Bolsonaro for riot

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA (AA) – Brazil's Supreme Court on Friday ordered probe of former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of inciting a riot, according to local media.

The Attorney General's Office announced that an investigation was launched against Bolsonaro over his alleged role in the raid of Congress and other government buildings.

Left-wing Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took 50.9% of the vote against far-right Bolsonaro’s 49.1% in the second round of presidential elections in Brazil on Oct. 30.

Following the poll defeat, supporters of Bolsonaro first blocked roads in the country for days, and then called for an armed forces intervention.

On Nov. 15, the 123rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic in the country, Bolsonaro supporters held demonstrations near the military headquarters in the cities of Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Belen with the same demand.

Lula da Silva assumed office as Brazil's new leader on Jan. 1.

On Jan. 8, supporters of Bolsonaro shouting slogans demanding intervention from the army broke through the police barrier and entered the Congress building.

Police sprayed tear gas to disperse pro-Bolsonaro protesters but some demonstrators were seen climbing onto the roofs of the House of Representatives and Senate buildings.

Brazil police arrested 1,800 people in connection with raids of the government buildings.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan