Jailed coup generals review books, undergo physical therapy and study remotely

Brazil’s four-star generals convicted of attempting a coup are making one last effort to preserve their ranks, presenting themselves in defenses submitted to the Superior Military Court as respected and distinguished officers.

The court will decide cases seeking their permanent expulsion from military life, following convictions by the Supreme Court. Walter Braga Netto’s lawyers describe him as admired by colleagues and held in “enormous respect” within the Army. The defense of Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira calls his military record “impeccable and distinguished,” while lawyers for former Navy commander Almir Garnier say he stood out throughout his career.

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enormous respect

Braga Netto, Paulo Sérgio and Garnier are serving prison terms after convictions for attempting a coup, violently abolishing the democratic rule of law, belonging to an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage and deterioration of protected property. Their sentences range from 19 to 26 years, below only the 27-year-and-three-month sentence imposed on former President Jair Bolsonaro, identified as the alleged leader of the scheme. The convictions will complete one year on September 11.

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impeccable and distinguished

The generals have been held in improvised cells at military facilities since the end of November. The article describes this as the first time Brazil’s democracy has imprisoned four-star officers for attempting a coup. Augusto Heleno, 78, is serving his sentence at home because he has Alzheimer’s disease. Braga Netto was convicted of coordinating a coup “office” after the election defeat and supporting a plan that included killing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. Garnier was convicted of making Navy troops available for a coup, while Paulo Sérgio was accused of pressuring commanders to block the inauguration of elected officials. Heleno was convicted of leading a “crisis office” and promoting a narrative against the voting system.

Senator Hamilton Mourão, Bolsonaro’s former vice president and himself an Army general, visited Braga Netto and Paulo Sérgio. “They express a feeling of revolt,” Mourão said. Paulo Sérgio’s cell reportedly has a bedroom, living room and private bathroom. He has registered 35 visitors, all authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and receives visits from relatives on at least three days each week.

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They express a feeling of revolt.