Widespread arrests and security raids in Brazil over a "coup attempt"

Brazilian police on Thursday arrested at least four people in a nationwide crackdown that coincided with investigations into an alleged coup attempt during riots sparked by supporters of outgoing far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazilian authorities are waging a Supreme Court-led campaign against a group of Bolsonaro supporters who refuse to recognize the victory of elected leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and are calling for a military coup.

The Federal Police said in a statement that it is executing 32 search and arrest warrants in eight states under orders from the Supreme Court, adding that the alleged offenses include "specific damages, arson, criminal formation, violent attempts to abolish the rule of law, and coup d'état." d'état", which collectively carry a maximum penalty of £100,000. 34 years in prison.