Brazil's Supreme Court Opens Trial of 'Núcleo 3' Over Alleged Assassination and Coup Plot

Overview

• The First Panel began hearings on Nov. 11 with six sessions scheduled for Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19, including afternoon sittings on the 11th and 18th.
• Ten defendants are on trial — nine Army officers from special forces units known as “kids pretos” and one federal police agent accused of sharing inauguration security information.
• Charges include armed criminal organization, attempted coup d’état and attempted abolition of the democratic order, plus qualified damage and deterioration of protected property.
• The case centers on the alleged “Punhal Verde e Amarelo” plan that envisioned attacks on Alexandre de Moraes, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, tied to the aborted “Copa 2022” operation.
• Prosecutors seek convictions for nine defendants and ask to downgrade charges against Ronald Ferreira Júnior to incitement, while relator Alexandre de Moraes ordered escorted attendance and a media ban for two jailed defendants.