São Paulo, Brazil – Walter Souza Braga Netto, a key figure in former President Jair Bolsonaro’s inner circle, was arrested on Saturday at his residence in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The arrest was ordered by Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, following a request by Brazil’s Federal Police.
The decision comes after allegations that Braga Netto attempted to interfere with investigations into a plot to subvert the results of the 2022 presidential election. The plot, which sought to keep Bolsonaro in power despite the victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reportedly involved the assassination of Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Justice Moraes himself.
An extensive, 800-page report implicates Braga Netto, who, according to federal agents, used his military rank and influence to encourage fellow officers to join the coup attempt. He has been formally charged with violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, attempting a coup, and criminal organization.
Further investigations reveal that Braga Netto sought to secretly obtain classified information from the plea deal of Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former personal assistant. This maneuver was aimed at assessing how Cid’s statements could potentially implicate Braga Netto in criminal activities.
Currently, General Braga Netto is detained in a military facility in Rio de Janeiro.
Throughout the Bolsonaro administration (2019-2022), Braga Netto held prominent positions, including Chief of Staff and Minister of Defense.
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