Brazilian Federal Police or Supreme Federal Court official announcements

Brazil's Supreme Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Braga Netto for Obstruction in Coup Probe

Dec 14, 2024, 11:15 AM

Brazilian Federal Police arrested General Walter Braga Netto, former minister in the Bolsonaro administration and vice-presidential candidate in the 2022 election, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) issued the arrest warrant as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 presidential election results and prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. Braga Netto is accused of obstruction of justice, including attempting to access details of testimony provided by Mauro Cid, a former aide to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. His actions were considered an attempt to interfere with ongoing investigations into the attempted coup. In addition to his arrest, the Federal Police conducted searches at his residence in Copacabana and at the home of a colonel who is an aide to the general. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Brazilian Army, and Braga Netto will remain in custody under military supervision. The investigation has also led to the indictment of Bolsonaro and over 30 others for crimes including violent abolition of the democratic state, coup d'état, and criminal organization.