International
Jair Bolsonaro accused of active role in 2022 coup attempt to prevent Lula’s presidency
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had “full awareness and active participation” in a failed coup attempt in 2022 aimed at preventing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s assumption of office, according to a police investigation released on Tuesday.
The Federal Police (PF) also revealed that Bolsonaro was aware of an alleged plan to assassinate Lula, his main political opponent, following his defeat in the October elections.
The former president, for his part, denies the accusations and claims to be a victim of “judicial persecution.”
According to the police report, Bolsonaro “planned, acted, and had direct and effective control” over a coup plot that ultimately did not materialize due to “circumstances beyond his control.” The document was sent to the Attorney General’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed against Bolsonaro.
Furthermore, the investigation indicated that Bolsonaro was aware of the so-called “operational planning (Green and Yellow Dagger),” allegedly organized by a group of military personnel with the goal of assassinating Lula, his vice-presidential candidate Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The police recommended the prosecution of 36 other individuals, including several military personnel and close advisers to Bolsonaro, for their alleged involvement in the events under investigation.
According to the investigation, in December 2022, the coup attempt was “aborted” at the last moment due to the lack of institutional support from high-ranking military officials.
International
Bill Gates to testify before Congress over Epstein connections
Bill Gates is set to testify on June 10 before a congressional committee in United States investigating links connected to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a source familiar with the matter told AFP on Tuesday.
The Microsoft co-founder is among several high-profile figures named in documents released by the Department of Justice, which detail alleged close associations, questionable financial dealings, and private photographs involving Epstein.
According to a spokesperson cited by Politico, Gates “welcomes” the opportunity to appear before the committee. The representative emphasized that Gates “never attended or participated in any illegal activities with Epstein” and is prepared to answer questions to support the investigation.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.
In late February, Gates told members of his foundation’s board that his association with Epstein was a “huge mistake.” He has consistently denied any involvement in the financier’s criminal activities. Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.
“I did nothing illegal. I saw nothing illegal,” Gates said, according to a recording obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
Gates acknowledged that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor.
A draft email written by Epstein and released by the Department of Justice referenced alleged extramarital relationships involving Gates. The message, which was apparently never sent, claimed that Epstein had helped “Bill” obtain medication related to encounters with Russian women.
Gates admitted to having had two extramarital affairs but denied any involvement with Epstein’s victims.
International
Former Trump allies call for removal, cite 25th Amendment amid Iran threats
One of the most prominent voices was former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who invoked the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as a mechanism to remove the president from power.
“25th Amendment! Not a single bomb has fallen on the U.S. We cannot annihilate an entire civilization. This is evil and insanity,” Greene wrote on social media platform X.
Greene, once a leading figure within Trump’s political movement during his first term, broke with the president last November over disagreements on foreign policy and his handling of controversial cases.
Another former supporter, controversial commentator Alex Jones, also raised the possibility of applying the constitutional provision during his show, in a conversation with attorney Robert Barnes.
Barnes explained that invoking the 25th Amendment requires the support of two-thirds of Congress, making it a more complex process than impeachment.
Section 4 of the amendment, ratified in 1967, establishes that the vice president, together with a majority of the cabinet, can declare the president unable to perform the duties of the office, a decision that must then be confirmed by both chambers of Congress.
The statements come amid rising international tensions and increasing domestic political pressure on the president.
International
Trump pauses strikes on Iran, extends ultimatum by two weeks
The president of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a temporary suspension of attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks, extending the ultimatum he had imposed on Tehran just hours before its deadline.
According to the president, the measure is conditional on Iran allowing the “full, immediate, and secure” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the decision would involve a reciprocal ceasefire between both parties.
The announcement was made through a message on his social media platform, where he emphasized that the pause in military actions is intended to create space for de-escalation in the region.
He also noted that the decision followed a conversation with the prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, who requested a two-week extension of the ultimatum.
The move comes amid heightened global tensions, marked by escalating threats and concerns over the potential impact of the conflict on key international energy trade routes.
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