Former Brazilian President Accused of Supporting Rioters

The Supreme Court of Brazil has approved a request from the prosecution to initiate an investigation into the alleged responsibility of former President Jair Bolsonaro in the mass riots.

The prosecution suggests that Bolsonaro supported and encouraged his supporters, who attacked government buildings in the capital city on January 8.

Supporters of Bolsonaro, who refused to accept the results of the presidential elections, stormed and vandalized the offices of Brazil's parliament, government, and federal Supreme Court. Clashes occurred between rioters and police.

In the second round of the presidential elections held on October 30 of last year, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva narrowly defeated Bolsonaro, who declined to recognize the voting results and filed a complaint with the Central Electoral Commission.

Bolsonaro's appeals were rejected, and Lula assumed the presidency of Brazil on January 1. Lula had previously served as president twice from 2003 to 2010.