Brazilian Police Accuse Former President Bolsonaro of COVID Vaccination Fraud
In a dramatic turn of events, Brazilian police have officially charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with fraud related to his COVID vaccination records. This bold move sets the stage for potential criminal charges to be brought against him in the country’s Supreme Court.
According to his health records, Bolsonaro purportedly received the COVID vaccine in Sao Paulo in 2021. However, a subsequent investigation revealed that he was not present in the city at the time of the alleged vaccination.
Despite being a vocal COVID skeptic who publicly declared his refusal to be vaccinated, Bolsonaro has vehemently denied any involvement in tampering with his vaccination records.
The toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has been devastating, with nearly 700,000 lives lost, as reported by Johns Hopkins University in the US.
The federal police have leveled accusations against Bolsonaro and eight others, accusing them of orchestrating a scheme to issue falsified vaccination certificates for personal gain during the pandemic.
With many countries requiring proof of vaccination for entry, the ramifications of this alleged fraud could have far-reaching consequences.
Now, Brazil’s attorney general’s office will determine whether to formally charge the former president in connection with these serious allegations.
This latest legal entanglement is just one of many facing the 68-year-old Bolsonaro, who has also been embroiled in a separate investigation involving attempts to overturn the results of the 2022 election and coerce military leaders into supporting a coup.
Despite being banned from seeking public office for eight years due to his actions undermining the electoral system and baselessly claiming election fraud, Bolsonaro remains a prominent figure in Brazilian politics with a strong following on the right.
His return to Brazil following a tumultuous period in the US signals his defiance in the face of mounting legal challenges. Bolsonaro’s enduring influence in Brazilian politics continues to be a divisive force, shaping the country’s political landscape. — BBC
