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Former Bolsonaro minister detained in Brazil for suspected coup conspiracy

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Former Bolsonaro minister detained in Brazil for suspected coup conspiracy

SAO PAULO — Brazilian Federal Police carried out the arrest of a former Cabinet member of President Jair Bolsonaro, along with his 2022 running mate, as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot, according to a statement from the Supreme Court.

Former General Walter Braga Netto faced accusations in November, along with Bolsonaro and 35 other individuals, for purportedly scheming to retain Bolsonaro in power following his unsuccessful bid for reelection in 2022. While formal charges against Braga Netto have yet to be filed, the recent arrest was linked to claims of hindering the evidence collection process,

as noted by the Federal Police in their announcement. The Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes sanctioned this arrest request, which received a positive review from the Prosecutor-General’s office.

According to the court’s statement, police sought preventive detention for Braga Netto after gathering “strong evidence” indicating that he tried to uncover the details of what a former aide to Bolsonaro was divulging to authorities after signing a plea bargain.

Simultaneously, search and seizure operations were executed against both Braga Netto and his aide, Colonel Flávio Botelho Peregrino. Braga Netto served as Bolsonaro’s chief of staff between 2020 and 2021, and later took on the role of defense minister through 2022.

His lawyer has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation, although previously, the legal team indicated a need to review police documentation before issuing any statements.

The Federal Police in November made public the final report of their investigation, which detailed attempts to invalidate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s election in 2022. In this report, investigators identified Braga Netto as a key figure, asserting he exerted pressure on military leaders to support the coup.

The extensive 884-page report, supported by various forms of evidence and eyewitness accounts, outlines a detailed plan. This scheme allegedly included fostering distrust in the electoral process, drafting a decree to create a semblance of legality, pressuring influential military figures to comply, and inciting insurrection in the nation’s capital.

The investigation suggested that there were also intentions to assassinate Lula, vice-president-elect Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, with claims that Braga Netto approved such plans during a meeting with conspirators in his residence.

According to police, the assassination plot aimed to leave Bolsonaro’s ticket as the only legitimate one in the subsequent runoff. Justice de Moraes has been at the forefront of a five-year investigation into misinformation campaigns and threats against Supreme Court official, resulting in legal repercussions for various Bolsonaro supporters.

The police document, however, did not provide evidence that any assassination attempts were made against Lula or Alckmin, although records indicated that the conspirators were surveilling de Moraes at the time.

The Supreme Court revealed new findings suggesting Braga Netto’s role in securing and distributing financial support for the coup attempt. Both Braga Netto and Bolsonaro have refuted all allegations of wrongdoing, claiming that they are victims of a politically driven prosecution.

Responses to the arrest have reflected the deep political divide in Brazil, which has persisted since Bolsonaro’s tenure. Bolsonaro expressed on social media that the arrest was based on dubious grounds, and his supporters criticized those in authority, claiming procedural violations.

Conversely, officials within Lula’s government hailed the development as a positive step for democracy and justice. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, from Lula’s party, remarked on social media that having a four-star general arrested for conspiracy to stage a coup is a significant indication of progress toward a constitutional democracy in Brazil, even as he acknowledged ongoing challenges for the Republic.