Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot

FILE PHOTO: Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro accompanied by his wife Michelle Bolsonaro (not pictured) arrive at Brasilia International Airport, as she departs for the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 18, 2025. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo

SAO PAULO/BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro was charged on Tuesday in connection with a plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss, further complicating the beleaguered far-right leader's already narrow hopes of a political comeback.

Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet charged Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto,with leading a "criminal organization"that aimed to overthrow the country's 40-year-old democracy.