Listen to the article
Brazil’s Supreme Court Sentences Seven Defendants in Coup Plot Case
Brazil’s Supreme Court First Panel has sentenced seven defendants connected to what authorities describe as a coup attempt during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration. In a 4-1 ruling on Tuesday, the panel found the defendants guilty of multiple serious charges related to efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions.
The convictions were supported by Justices Alexandre de Moraes, who served as rapporteur in the case, Cristiano Zanin, Cármen Lúcia, and Flávio Dino. Justice Luiz Fux was the lone dissenter, arguing that the defendants’ actions lacked “the potential to seize power and replace the government” required for a coup d’état charge.
According to the majority opinion, the defendants, who comprised what investigators labeled as “Nucleus 4” of the broader coup plot, actively promoted disinformation campaigns targeting Brazil’s electoral process and orchestrated virtual attacks against democratic institutions and government authorities throughout 2022.
The defendants received substantial prison sentences ranging from 7 to 17 years. The harshest sentence was handed to Army reserve major Ângelo Martins Denicoli, who received 17 years in a closed-regime prison. Other significant sentences included Army colonel Reginaldo Vieira de Abreu (15 years and six months), federal police officer Marcelo Araújo Bormevet (14 years and six months), and Army sergeant Giancarlo Gomes Rodrigues (14 years).
Military personnel featured prominently among those convicted, including Army reserve major Ailton Gonçalves Moraes Barros and Army lieutenant colonel Guilherme Marques de Almeida, who received sentences of 13 years and 13 years and six months, respectively. Carlos Cesar Moretzsohn Rocha, president of the Voto Legal Institute, received the lightest sentence at 7 years and six months in semi-open prison, having been convicted of fewer charges than his co-defendants.
The convictions span multiple serious crimes: armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, attempted coup d’état, aggravated property damage, and serious threats to protected heritage. Moretzsohn was the only defendant convicted on just two charges: armed criminal organization and attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law.
Despite the severity of the sentences, the defendants will not be immediately imprisoned, as they retain the right to appeal their convictions.
Beyond imprisonment, the court ordered the defendants to jointly pay 30 million Brazilian reais (approximately $5.4 million USD) for damages related to the destruction of public buildings during the January 8 riots. This compensation will be divided among all defendants convicted in connection with the broader coup investigation. Additionally, each defendant will be barred from holding public office for eight years following the completion of their prison terms.
Military personnel among the defendants face additional consequences, as they will be tried separately by the Superior Military Court regarding the potential loss of their military status.
The convictions represent just one segment of a larger judicial process examining the alleged coup plot. To date, Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted 15 total defendants across different “nuclei” of the conspiracy. Eight defendants from “Nucleus 1,” reportedly led by former President Bolsonaro himself, have already been sentenced.
The judicial process continues with scheduled trials for “Nucleus 3” beginning November 11, followed by “Nucleus 2” on December 9. A fifth group, consisting solely of businessman Paulo Figueiredo—grandson of João Figueiredo, Brazil’s last president during the military dictatorship—awaits trial scheduling. Figueiredo, who currently resides in the United States, has not presented a defense in the case.
The ongoing trials represent one of Brazil’s most significant legal reckonings with threats to its democratic system since the country’s return to civilian rule in the mid-1980s.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
This is an important development in the fight against disinformation. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting the integrity of the country’s elections and democratic institutions.
Kudos to the Brazilian Supreme Court for taking a firm stance against this coup plot and the individuals responsible for the disinformation campaign. Maintaining public trust in electoral integrity is vital for democracy.
The Brazilian Supreme Court’s actions in this case are an important step in the ongoing battle against disinformation and attempts to undermine democratic institutions. It’s crucial that such efforts are met with firm, decisive responses.
It’s disheartening to see such coordinated efforts to undermine Brazil’s democracy through the use of disinformation. But the strong sentences handed down by the Supreme Court are a welcome sign that these tactics will not be tolerated.
Absolutely. The court’s rulings make it clear that there will be serious consequences for those who try to subvert the democratic process through the spread of false information.
This ruling sends a clear message that the Brazilian government will not tolerate efforts to undermine the country’s democratic processes through the use of disinformation. It’s a welcome development in the fight against this growing threat.
I agree. Maintaining public trust in the integrity of elections is vital for the health of any democracy, and the court’s actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding those principles.
This case highlights the real dangers posed by coordinated disinformation networks. I hope the rulings help deter future attempts to subvert the democratic process in Brazil through misleading propaganda.
Absolutely. It’s critical that institutions like the Supreme Court hold perpetrators accountable and send a clear signal that undermining free and fair elections will face severe consequences.
The Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision to hand down substantial sentences to those involved in the disinformation campaign is a strong signal that such tactics will not be tolerated. It’s a necessary step in protecting the democratic process.
Sobering news about the attempts to undermine Brazil’s democracy. It’s good to see the courts taking strong action against those responsible for the disinformation campaigns. Protecting the integrity of elections is crucial for any healthy democracy.
I agree, the sentences handed down send an important message that such actions will not be tolerated. Disinformation is a serious threat that needs to be confronted head-on.
While it’s concerning to see such efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions, I’m glad the courts have intervened and delivered substantial sentences. Disinformation is a serious threat that must be aggressively countered.
I agree. The ruling sends an important message that those who try to subvert the democratic process through the spread of false information will be held accountable.