Former Brazilian Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto Arrested in Alleged Coup Plot

Walter Braga Netto, a retired four-star general and former Defense Minister of Brazil, was arrested on Saturday amid allegations of planning and funding a military coup. Federal authorities claim that the conspiracy aimed to overturn the results of Brazilā€™s 2022 presidential election and included a chilling plot to assassinate President Luiz InĆ”cio Lula da Silva and Vice President-elect Geraldo Alckmin.

Braga Netto, who previously served as Chief of Staff under former President Jair Bolsonaro and was his running mate in a failed reelection bid, denies any involvement in the alleged conspiracy. His legal representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding the accusations.

Key Accusations of Conspiracy

Federal police allege that Braga Netto played a pivotal role in a coordinated effort to disrupt Brazilā€™s democratic transition. The investigation has uncovered evidence that Braga Netto hosted a meeting at his residence in Rio de Janeiro, where plans to assassinate Lula and Alckmin were allegedly finalized.

Additionally, Braga Netto is accused of providing financial support to those involved in the conspiracy. Federal investigators also claim he attempted to obstruct their probe by seeking deposition details from Mauro Cid, a former Bolsonaro aide who is cooperating with authorities.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered the arrest, stated that fresh evidence revealed the retired generalā€™s involvement was deeper than initially suspected.

Police Raids and Legal Complexities

Authorities executed search warrants at Braga Nettoā€™s Rio de Janeiro home and the residence of retired Colonel Flavio Botelho Peregrino in BrasĆ­lia. The Brazilian army confirmed the raids but withheld further details. Attempts to contact Peregrino for comment were unsuccessful.

Following his arrest, Braga Netto was transferred to military custody in compliance with a 1980 law that protects military officers from civilian detention unless caught committing a crime. Critics argue that this outdated regulation, a remnant of Brazilā€™s military dictatorship, complicates the pursuit of justice in cases involving armed forces personnel.

Implications for Brazilā€™s Democracy

The arrest has reignited concerns about threats to Brazilā€™s democratic institutions. The alleged coup plot underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Lulaā€™s administration in safeguarding democracy following the tumultuous 2022 election.

President Lula has reaffirmed his commitment to holding accountable those who seek to undermine democratic processes. This case marks a critical step in Brazilā€™s broader effort to ensure the rule of law prevails over authoritarian threats.

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