STF Accepts Prosecution of Second Group Accused in Coup Plot
The First Panel of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) has unanimously decided to turn six individuals from the so-called “Nucleus 2” into defendants in the investigation into the coup plot that aimed to overturn the results of Brazil’s 2022 elections. The group is accused of crimes that directly threaten the Democratic Rule of Law and public institutions.
Who Are the Defendants?
The six individuals now facing trial are:
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Silvinei Vasques – Former Director-General of the Federal Highway Police (PRF);
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Filipe Martins – Former Special Advisor for International Affairs to then-President Jair Bolsonaro;
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Marcelo Câmara – Army Colonel and former advisor to Bolsonaro;
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Marília de Alencar – Former Director of Intelligence at the Ministry of Justice;
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Fernando de Sousa Oliveira – Former Director of Operations at the Ministry of Justice;
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Mário Fernandes – Army Reserve General.
These individuals are accused of participating in a criminal organization that conspired to violently abolish the Democratic Rule of Law, orchestrate a coup d’état, and carry out acts of violence against public property.
What Does the STF Say?
Minister Alexandre de Moraes, rapporteur of the case, stated that there is “sufficient evidence” to initiate criminal proceedings. According to him, the complaints are well-structured, logical, and provide enough clarity for the defense to respond to the allegations.
In his vote, Moraes emphasized that this is not about persecuting individuals, but about protecting democracy:
“In cases of doubt, we rule in favor of society. There is sufficient evidence of authorship for a criminal trial to begin.”
He also refuted attempts by defense attorneys to annul the case on technicalities, such as alleged lack of access to evidence, invalidity of Mauro Cid’s plea deal, or claims of bias on the part of the STF ministers.
All preliminary objections raised by the defense were dismissed by the court, and the ministers followed Moraes’ vote unanimously.
Serious Accusations
Among the most alarming accusations are:
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Drafting a so-called “coup decree” that would annul the 2022 election results;
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A plan codenamed “Green and Yellow Dagger”, which allegedly intended to assassinate STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin;
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PRF actions to obstruct the movement of voters in the Northeast during the runoff of the 2022 elections.
The case adds to the growing list of criminal proceedings connected to the alleged coup attempts. In late March, the STF had already accepted charges against another group—called Nucleus 1—led by former president Jair Bolsonaro and several high-ranking allies.
What Happens Now?
With the charges accepted, the six individuals will now face a criminal trial. The next phase involves gathering more evidence, witness testimony, and a formal trial process.
This move by the STF reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to defending Brazilian democracy and ensuring accountability for those who threaten it.