Brazilian minister orders house arrest, removal of secretary accused of coercion

Justice Flávio Dino of Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) has ordered the house arrest and immediate removal from office of Raimundo Cutrim, the extraordinary secretary for Legislative Affairs in the government of Maranhão. The decision, made last Thursday, also included a search and seizure warrant executed at Cutrim's home in São Luís.

Cutrim, who is a retired Federal Police delegate and has served three terms as a state deputy, is now under electronic monitoring. His defense team, led by lawyer Berilo Freitas, stated they had not yet accessed Dino's full decision but confirmed compliance with the orders. The case is currently under judicial seal, limiting public information.

Sources indicate that Cutrim is being investigated for suspected coercion and obstruction of justice. During the execution of the search warrant at his residence, the Federal Police discovered and seized a cache of both short and long firearms. Images released show the arsenal found at the secretary's home.

Following a custody hearing on Sunday, Cutrim was taken to his home to serve his house arrest sentence. The investigation into his alleged actions continues under strict confidentiality.