Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claimed that his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro actively participated in launching the coup that took place in Brasilia on January 8.
"Today I am well aware and will say it loud and clear: that citizen [former president Bolsonaro] prepared the coup," Lula said in an interview with broadcaster RedeTV!
He added: "I am certain that Bolsonaro actively participated in that and is still trying to participate."
Lula's allegations against Bolsonaro came the same day that a Brazilian senator accused the former president of attending a meeting on how to prevent the handover of power.
In previous remarks, Lula hinted that the storming of the capital Brasilia by the supporters of Bolsonaro could have been an inside job, and voiced fears that some presidential staff might aim to get rid of him.
"I am convinced that the door of the Planalto (presidential) palace was opened for people to enter because there are no broken doors. This means that someone facilitated their entry," said Lula while talking to the reporters.
The far-left leader added that a "thorough review" of palace staff had been ordered to substantiate the allegations. "We will investigate calmly to see what really happened."
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