Rio de Janeiro — High-ranking officers convicted in coup and assassination plot
A four-justice panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday sentenced nine senior military officers and a federal police agent to prison terms of up to 24 years after finding them guilty of participating in a criminal scheme that planned to overturn the 2022 election and carry out violent attacks, including a plot to kill President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other authorities.
Of the 10 defendants tried in this session, nine were convicted and one retired general was acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence. Seven of the convicted officials were found guilty of the most serious charges — including attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, attempted coup, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage and deterioration of protected heritage. Two others were convicted of lesser counts: criminal association and public incitement of animosity between the Armed Forces and constitutional authorities.
Sentences ranged from just under two years to 24 years, with four defendants receiving terms exceeding two decades. The court emphasized that the convictions were based on documentary evidence seized from the accused and testimony presented during the trial.
“Brazil, once again, due to the irresponsibility and lack of patriotism of some, flirted with and almost fell into a chasm of institutional darkness,” Justice Flávio Dino said as he cast his vote, referencing the country’s 1964–1985 military dictatorship. “It wasn’t just a walk in the park. It was a coup that was going to arrest and kill people, revoke the constitution, citizenship and the free press.”
Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet presented evidence that a federal police officer infiltrated the security detail of the then-president-elect to facilitate the group’s violent plans. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the broader investigation into the attempted coup, said the plot failed to advance in part because the Army commander declined to support it.
Those convicted will not begin serving sentences until appeals are exhausted. That is also true for former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced in a related ruling in September to 27 years and three months for leading the criminal organization tied to efforts to overturn the 2022 election; he has been under house arrest since August. The court recently rejected one appeal from Bolsonaro’s legal team, though further appeals remain possible.
The trials have attracted international attention and tested diplomatic relations, prompting scrutiny from foreign governments and analysts. Observers say the rulings mark a significant moment in Brazil’s efforts to uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law.
What happens next: Convicted defendants may appeal the verdicts and sentences; prison terms will take effect only after Brazil’s appeals process is exhausted.
