General was summoned to testify in the process that investigates an alleged coup d’état to keep former president Bolsonaro in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections
The general gave testimony to the Federal Supreme Court (STF) and revealed that he prevented the performance of the Federal District Military Police (PMDF) on January 8, 2023. According to him, this decision aimed to ensure that the arrests of the Bolsonarist protesters were “coordinated”. The general was summoned to testify in a lawsuit investigating an alleged coup d’état to keep former president Bolsonaro in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
At the time, Arruda, who held the position of commander of the Army, decided not to allow the PM to enter the protest site, which resulted in arrests only the next day. He justified his choice by stating that the operation should be organized, in contrast to the order of Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who asked for immediate action. The general mentioned that he received information about the arrival of the police and opted for a more planned approach.
During his statement, Arruda had a clash with the Attorney General, Paulo Gonet, about the order of arrest and the PM’s performance. Four Cid Witnesses were heard on Thursday, all military personnel unconnected with the investigated facts, but friends of Lieutenant Colonel and his colleagues in the help of orders in the Presidency of the Republic. The first class of the Supreme Court is listening to a total of 82 witnesses within the first coup-related criminal action, which involves not only Bolsonaro, but also former ministers of his government.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
