Former Brazilian General Arrested in Coup Plot

Brazilian Federal Police arrested General Walter Braga Netto, a prominent ally of former President Jair Bolsonaro, amid investigations into an alleged coup plot aimed at overturning Bolsonaro's election loss in 2022. Braga Netto, who served as Bolsonaro’s chief of staff and defense minister, is accused of obstructing justice and orchestrating a conspiracy that included plans for assassinations of political opponents, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation that has implicated Bolsonaro and over 35 others in efforts to undermine democracy, culminating in riots by Bolsonaro supporters in January 2023. Police stated that Braga Netto was a principal architect of the coup plan and had attempted to access evidence from witnesses involved in the investigation. Both Braga Netto and Bolsonaro have denied the allegations, with Bolsonaro asserting that his actions were constitutional. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Brazilian politics as authorities continue to probe the actions of Bolsonaro's inner circle.