Former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil is facing potential criminal charges after the federal police recommended he be charged in a scheme to falsify his Covid-19 vaccine card. The investigation alleges that Bolsonaro ordered a top aide to obtain falsified vaccination records for himself and his daughter in late 2022, just before traveling to the United States.
If prosecuted, this would be the first time Bolsonaro faces criminal charges. The police are also awaiting a response from the U.S. Justice Department to determine if Bolsonaro used a fake vaccination card to enter the United States, which could lead to different charges.
Bolsonaro has denied involvement in any plan to falsify his vaccination records, stating that he did not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. However, if convicted of forging his vaccine card, he could face prison time.
This latest development is part of a series of criminal investigations closing in on Bolsonaro, including inquiries into the selling of gifts he received as president and accusations of attempting to hold onto power after his election loss in 2022.
During the pandemic, Bolsonaro faced criticism for his handling of the Covid-19 crisis, promoting unproven treatments and hesitating to secure vaccines. A congressional investigation in 2021 recommended charging him with “crimes against humanity” for his actions during the pandemic, but prosecutors did not pursue charges at that time.
The police’s indictment marks a significant step in the investigations against Bolsonaro, who has already been ruled ineligible for public office until 2030 for spreading false information about Brazil’s voting systems.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched to see how it impacts Bolsonaro’s political future and the ongoing investigations into his actions during his presidency.
