Bolsonaro nephew's home raided over Jan. 8 riots

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Jan 2023 13:20
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A member of Bolsonaro's family has been implicated in the investigations into the Brasilia riots for the first time.

Bolsonaro supporters storming Brazilian Congress (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

On Friday, federal police in Brazil raided the home of former President Jair Bolsonaro's nephew in connection with the January 8 riots and storming of government facilities in the city by far-right protesters.

Police said Leonardo Rodrigues de Jesus, nicknamed Leo Indio by Bolsonaro followers, was one of the targets of a series of raids that resulted in 11 arrests in various states. It was the first time a member of Bolsonaro's family has been implicated in the investigations into the Brasilia unrest.

According to police, those under investigation could face charges of crimes against democracy and criminal association.

Police officers raided Leo Indio's residences in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro on Friday, according to Brazilian news website G1, adding that federal police confiscated several goods without disclosing the list.

It is worth noting that the relevant warrants were issued by the country's Supreme Court as part of the third phase of Operation Lesa Patria, which was investigating the unrest in Brasilia, where Bolsonaro's supporters temporarily seized and looted the Supreme Court, Congress, and the presidential palace.

11 arrest warrants and 27 search and seizure warrants have been reportedly issued, and six persons have already been arrested.

On January 1, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in as the president of Brazil to begin a four-year term for the third time in his life.

The new Brazilian President vowed to haul Brazil out of Jair Bolsonaro’s era of “devastation” and barbarism. He promised to lead Brazil into a new chapter of environmental protection, social progress, and a “rational democratic” government.

As soon as the election results were announced, Bolsonaro supporters took to the streets to protest Lula's victory, with over 100 protests reported on October 31, which blocked major roads and highways in 18 different states.

The former President is currently in the US. Bolsonaro lost the Brazilian presidential election in October and flew to the United States on December 30, a day before his term expired, so missing the inauguration of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.