The command of the Brazilian Army expressed support for the transfer of General Augusto Heleno to house arrest, following his conviction by the First Panel of the STF (Supreme Federal Court) to 21 years in prison for involvement in an attempted coup d’état, according to an analysis by Jussara Soares at CNN Prime Time.
According to the policy analyst at CNN Brazilthe concern about the health status of the former minister of the GSI (Institutional Security Office) had already been raised with the minister of the STF, Alexandre de Moraes, even before he was sent to serve his sentence.
The Army commander, General Tomás, held a meeting with Moraes to personally express his concern about Augusto Heleno’s health conditions, as reported by family members to the military institution.
This expression of support for house arrest could have significant weight in the judicial decision on the case.
Visits and conditions of detention
The Army commander himself has already visited General Augusto Heleno and also General Paulo Sérgio, both detained at the Planalto Military Command in Brasília. The visit aimed to verify the conditions of the facilities where the soldiers are serving their sentences.
As they are four-star generals, Heleno and Paulo Sérgio have the right to remain in the General Staff room, as provided for in the legislation.
Even so, there is an expectation among the military that General Augusto Heleno could be transferred to house arrest, mainly considering his health condition.
