Retired Brazilian colonel convicted over novel alleging army corruption

A retired Brazilian Army colonel has been convicted by a military court in a case stemming from his novel that depicted generals involved in corruption and misconduct. The novel, "Diários da Caserna: Dossiê Smart: A História que o Exército Quer Riscar," also detailed accusations against the military's upper ranks, including former Vice President Hamilton Mourão, who is portrayed as the character Simão.

Rubens Pierrotti Jr. was found guilty by a four-to-one vote from the Special Justice Council. The charges, based on articles of the Military Penal Code, related to undue criticism and offense to the Armed Forces. The judge presiding over the case initially voted to acquit Pierrotti, but four brigadier generals voted for conviction.

Pierrotti received the minimum sentence, less than two years, which allows for a conditional suspension of his sentence for two years, provided he meets certain requirements. He intends to appeal the verdict to the Superior Military Court (STM) and, if necessary, to the Supreme Federal Court. This conviction follows a previous decision by the STM to override the lower court's rejection of the military prosecutor's complaint, leading to the trial.

In addition to the criminal case, Pierrotti faces an administrative process within the Army, known as a council of justification. A conviction in this "court of honor" could lead to him being declared unworthy of his commission, losing his rank and patent, and having his retirement benefits revoked. This process was initiated by the Army Commander, Tomás Paiva.

The colonel, now a lawyer, has accused former colleagues of irregularities in the purchase of a €13.98 million fire support simulator from the Spanish company Tecnobit. He claims they colluded in the flawed procurement, which cost the public purse significantly more at current exchange rates. The Army and Mourão maintain the deal was economically beneficial, while the Military Public Prosecutor's Office had previously archived the corruption allegations.

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A scarlet letter sends a clear message: keep away.