Brazil's federal police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro on suspicion of fraud related to falsifying Covid-19 vaccination data during his time in office. The far-right leader is accused of instructing a close aide to enter false vaccination information into the Ministry of Health's system for himself and his daughter.
Evidence gathered during the investigation suggests that Bolsonaro willingly ordered the falsification of data in the country's health system. Alongside Bolsonaro, his aide Lieutenant-Colonel Mauro Cid and 15 others have also been indicted for their alleged involvement in the scheme.
Bolsonaro's lawyer has dismissed the indictment as 'absurd,' citing the former president's known stance on vaccination. Last year, Brazilian police conducted a search at Bolsonaro's residence in connection with the suspected falsification of vaccination records.
Throughout the pandemic, Bolsonaro faced criticism for downplaying the seriousness of the virus and discouraging vaccination efforts in Brazil. He also defied a UN requirement for vaccination when attending a meeting in New York, resulting in several members of his delegation testing positive for Covid-19.
Currently, Bolsonaro is facing multiple legal challenges, including investigations into an alleged coup plot to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential election. Following his electoral defeat, his supporters engaged in violent riots in Brasilia, which Bolsonaro denies inciting.
Furthermore, the country's highest electoral court has barred Bolsonaro from running for political office until 2030 due to accusations of abusing power and misusing public media during the 2022 election campaign.
