Brazil’s Supreme Court First Panel Opens Trial of ‘Núcleo 3’ in Alleged Coup Plot

Overview

• The STF’s First Panel began hearings on November 11 with additional sessions set for November 12, 18 and 19 to judge ten defendants from the so‑called núcleo 3.
• The accused comprise nine Army special‑forces and other officers, active and reserve, plus one Federal Police agent identified by the PGR as part of the operational nucleus.
• The PGR seeks convictions for nine defendants and asks to reclassify charges against Ronald Ferreira Júnior to incitement, which could allow a non‑prosecution agreement.
• Minister Alexandre de Moraes authorized two defendants to attend under escort only between custody and the courtroom and prohibited them from giving interviews.
• Investigators describe the ‘Punhal Verde e Amarelo’ scheme, operationalized as “Copa 2022,” using codenames and third‑party phone lines to monitor targets including Moraes, Lula and Alckmin, while defenses deny participation and assert there is no proof.