Alleged coup plotter Braga Netto detained; investigation centers on Bolsonaro connection and obstruction of evidence collection.
- Braga Netto was arrested on charges of plotting a coup.
- The second point is to prevent evidence from being collected.
Gen. Walter Braga Netto, a former cabinet member and running mate of President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, was arrested by the Federal Police in connection with a purported coup plot.
The source was asked to remain anonymous since they were not authorized to speak publicly about the process.
In November, Bolsonaro, Braga Netto, and 35 others were formally charged with coup d’état, meaning that Bolsonaro planned to stay in power after his unsuccessful reelection attempt in 2022.
Braga Netto has not been officially charged by the prosecution just yet. The Federal Police said that the suspect was apprehended on suspicion of obstructing the collection of evidence.
Braga Netto reportedly sought to ascertain if the imprisoned former Bolsonaro associate had consented to a plea bargain and to listen to his statements to the police.
Officials also executed two warrants for search and seizure. From 2020 to 2021, Braga Netto served as Bolsonaro’s chief of staff. From 2021 to 2022, she was minister of defense.
Upon inquiry, his attorney did not immediately respond with a statement. His legal team had previously stated their intention to refrain from commenting until they had reviewed the relevant police documents.