By Ana Ionova
Reporting from Rio de Janeiro
Dec. 14, 2024, 12:26 p.m. ET
In a significant development regarding Brazil's political landscape, federal police arrested General Walter Braga Netto on Saturday, a close ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The authorities accuse him of meddling in ongoing investigations into an alleged coup plot after Bolsonaro's loss in the 2022 elections.
The police, in an official statement, confirmed the arrests and the execution of search warrants against several individuals accused of “hindering the free production of evidence during the criminal proceedings.” A police official, wishing to remain anonymous, clarified that the arrest of General Braga Netto was aimed at preventing further illegal actions. While the specific individuals involved in the search warrants were not disclosed, the implications of Braga Netto's arrest are considerable.
As Bolsonaro's former chief of staff and later defense minister, Braga Netto's involvement deepens the inquiry into allegations against the ex-president, who has already been scrutinized in connection with these matters. Last month, the federal police urged federal prosecutors to press charges against Bolsonaro, Braga Netto, and around thirty additional associates for accusations of “violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d’état, and criminal organization.” However, no resolution has been reached by the prosecutors regarding these potential charges.
The allegations stem from a wide-ranging investigation spanning two years, which police say exposes a concerted plot orchestrated by Bolsonaro aimed at undermining Brazil's democracy and retaining power despite electoral loss. This scheme allegedly involved casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral system, pursuing a decree to overturn election results, coercing military leaders to support the strategy, and inciting followers to invade the capital. Bolsonaro has continuously refuted these claims, labeling the investigation a form of political persecution.
Furthermore, the police report also highlighted an attempted assassination plot targeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shortly before his inauguration. The comprehensive 884-page investigation report asserts that Bolsonaro was fully aware of the assassination scheme.
Legal representatives for Braga Netto were unreachable for immediate comments. However, the general previously denied involvement in any conspiracy and insisted that he advocated for ethical and lawful approaches throughout the political turmoil, dismissing the coup and assassination allegations as unfounded.
Reporting from Rio de Janeiro
Dec. 14, 2024, 12:26 p.m. ET
In a significant development regarding Brazil's political landscape, federal police arrested General Walter Braga Netto on Saturday, a close ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The authorities accuse him of meddling in ongoing investigations into an alleged coup plot after Bolsonaro's loss in the 2022 elections.
The police, in an official statement, confirmed the arrests and the execution of search warrants against several individuals accused of “hindering the free production of evidence during the criminal proceedings.” A police official, wishing to remain anonymous, clarified that the arrest of General Braga Netto was aimed at preventing further illegal actions. While the specific individuals involved in the search warrants were not disclosed, the implications of Braga Netto's arrest are considerable.
As Bolsonaro's former chief of staff and later defense minister, Braga Netto's involvement deepens the inquiry into allegations against the ex-president, who has already been scrutinized in connection with these matters. Last month, the federal police urged federal prosecutors to press charges against Bolsonaro, Braga Netto, and around thirty additional associates for accusations of “violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d’état, and criminal organization.” However, no resolution has been reached by the prosecutors regarding these potential charges.
The allegations stem from a wide-ranging investigation spanning two years, which police say exposes a concerted plot orchestrated by Bolsonaro aimed at undermining Brazil's democracy and retaining power despite electoral loss. This scheme allegedly involved casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral system, pursuing a decree to overturn election results, coercing military leaders to support the strategy, and inciting followers to invade the capital. Bolsonaro has continuously refuted these claims, labeling the investigation a form of political persecution.
Furthermore, the police report also highlighted an attempted assassination plot targeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shortly before his inauguration. The comprehensive 884-page investigation report asserts that Bolsonaro was fully aware of the assassination scheme.
Legal representatives for Braga Netto were unreachable for immediate comments. However, the general previously denied involvement in any conspiracy and insisted that he advocated for ethical and lawful approaches throughout the political turmoil, dismissing the coup and assassination allegations as unfounded.
