Brazilian police arrest ex-Bolsonaro cabinet member in coup plot probe
14 December 2024, 13:24
Gen Walter Braga Netto was Jair Bolsonaro’s running mate in his failed bid for re-election in 2022.
Brazil’s Federal Police have arrested Gen Walter Braga Netto, a former member of President Jair Bolsonaro’s cabinet and his 2022 running mate, in connection with investigations into an alleged coup plot, officials said.
Braga Netto was formally accused in November, along with Bolsonaro and 35 others, of plotting a coup to keep Bolsonaro in office following his failed 2022 re-election bid.
Prosecutors have yet to file formal charges against Braga Netto.
The arrest on Saturday stemmed from allegations of obstructing the collection of evidence, the Federal Police said.
Local media have reported that Braga Netto sought to discover what a former Bolsonaro aide who was arrested was telling authorities, and whether he had signed a plea bargain.
Authorities also executed two search and seizure warrants.
Braga Netto served as Bolsonaro’s chief of staff from 2020 to 2021 and as defence minister from 2021 to 2022.
