The federal police in Brazil have recommended charging former President Jair Bolsonaro for an alleged coup attempt.
On Thursday, the police released a statement calling for the prosecution of 37 individuals involved in the violent uprising on 8 January 2023.
On that day, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, protesting his election loss to Lula da Silva in October 2022.
Judicial authorities have investigated Bolsonaro's role in efforts to prevent Lula from taking office. According to CNN Brazil, the investigation revealed that Bolsonaro was aware of plans to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
A spokesperson for Bolsonaro had yet to respond.
The recommendation marks the first official step towards prosecuting Bolsonaro. The case will now be reviewed by the Brazilian Public Prosecutor's Office, which will decide whether to file formal charges.
