Brazil’s attorney general has filed charges against Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of coercion and of using his political role to advance family interests at the expense of the republic.
In its statement, the prosecutor’s office alleged that Eduardo, a congressman, repeatedly put Brazil at risk of sanctions from foreign governments by prioritizing personal agendas.
The congressman, currently residing in the United States, rejected the accusations as “bogus” and “absurd,” calling the case part of an ongoing campaign of political persecution. He said he learned of the charges through the media.
The development follows Jair Bolsonaro’s sentencing earlier this month to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of plotting a coup to remain in power. Tens of thousands of Brazilians have since protested against a proposed bill that could grant amnesty to the former leader.
Eduardo Bolsonaro has been a vocal defender of his father, lobbying for international support, particularly from the Trump administration. Former U.S. president Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Brazil in July, while current U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced sanctions targeting the family of Brazil’s Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over Bolsonaro’s trial.
Alongside Eduardo, businessman Paulo Figueiredo—grandson of former military ruler João Batista Figueiredo—was also named in the charges. Prosecutors are seeking not only a conviction but also compensation for damages.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to block any amnesty efforts, insisting the Brazilian people want accountability, not impunity.