Jan 8 (Reuters) –
Below is a timeline of the key events leading up to the Jan. 8 invasion of Brazil’s Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace by supporters of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who disputed the election of leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. 2022 Oct 30. – Lula, who was president from 2003 to 2011, narrowly beats Bolsonaro in a run-off vote. Bolsonaro supporters begin gathering for the first time outside military bases across Brazil, calling for a military intervention to prevent Lula from returning to office. Oct. 30 and 31 – Truckers who support Bolsonaro block roads throughout the country after his defeat. Nov. 2 – Bolsonaro supporters hold rallies across the country, asking for an armed force intervention. Nov. 22 – Bolsonaro challenges the results of the Brazilian election, arguing votes from some machines should be “invalidated” in a complaint that election authorities rebuffed. Dec. 12 – Lula’s election victory is certified by the federal electoral court. Later that day, after the arrest of a pro-Bolsonaro indigenous leader for alleged anti-democratic acts, Bolsonaro supporters try to invade the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, the capital. Dec. 24 – A man is arrested for attempting to set off a bomb in protest against Brazil’s election results. A copy of George Washington de Oliveira Sousa’s police statement, which was seen by Reuters, showed he was inspired to build up an arsenal by Bolsonaro’s traditional support of the arming of civilians. Dec. 29 – At least four people are arrested by Brazilian police for an alleged coup attempt during riots by Bolsonaro supporters. Dec. 30 – Bolsonaro lands in Florida less than two days before Lula is set to take office. 2023 Jan. 1 – Lula is sworn in as president for the third time, saying that democracy was the true winner of the presidential election. Jan. 8 – Bolsonaro supporters invade Brazil presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court in Brasilia, in a grim echo of the U.S. Capitol invasion two years ago by backers of former President Donald Trump.
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