Brazilian police have arrested a former defense minister and a former candidate for vice president of the country. retired general Walter Braga Netto, as part of an investigation into a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by the former president Jair Bolsonaro organize a coup in 2023.

security forces They arrested Braga Netto, who was Bolsonaro’s running mate in 2022, at home in Rio de Janeiro early Saturday morning after returning to the city from a trip.

The retired general was arrested on charges of obstruction of justice under a preventive detention order signed by Judge Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Court of Brazil. In his car, published by the newspaper State On his website, the magistrate indicates that at the moment the investigation has presented “convincing evidence” that the retired general was “providing the necessary resources” to facilitate this coup.

De Moraes also claims that he has “strong evidence” that throughout December 2022, Braga Netto was actively involved in an attempt to “put pressure on air force and army commanders” pursue a plan aimed at abolishing the democratic rule of law.”

Moreover, the investigation also indicates that Braga Netto would have become a part as soon as the coup was completed. “cabinet” responsible for advising Bolsonaro and create an “intelligence and counterintelligence network” to monitor the consequences of the unrest and “operate in the information field to gain the support of national and international public opinion.”

His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His client stayed under the protection of the Eastern Military Command in Vila Militar, in the west of Rio.

In turn, the former President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro criticized the arrest of Braga Nettowhen wondering “how” his arrest on a charge of obstruction happened if the investigation has already been completed.

“More than ten days ago, the “investigation” was completed by the PF (Federal Police), charging 37 people and sent to the MP (Ministry of State).. How can you arrest someone today for obstructing an investigation that has already been completed? Bolsonaro announced this on his account on the social network X.

Braga Netto, first four-star general to be arrested during the country’s democratic erais among dozens of people whom police charged in November with plotting to keep Bolsonaro in power after his defeat in the 2022 election.

January 8, 2023 thousands of Bolsonaro supporters They broke into government buildings in the capital. Brasilia amid claims that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s victory was rigged.

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Although Bolsonaro has denied involvement in the unrest, authorities have since investigated the right-wing leader and members of his government for alleged attempts to suppress the will of the Brazilian people.

(according to information from Europe Press)