Moraes Votes to Acquit General, Backs Convictions of Nine in STF Coup-Plot Case

Overview

• Relator Alexandre de Moraes said evidence was insufficient to convict Gen. Estevam Theóphilo, citing reliance on collaborator Mauro Cid’s testimony and applying the in dubio pro reo standard.
• Moraes voted to convict nine other defendants, with two officers on lesser counts of inciting animosity in the Armed Forces and criminal association and the remaining seven on five charges including armed criminal organization and attempted coup.
• The minister detailed Polícia Federal material such as seized explosives and heavy munitions, operational plans labeled Copa 2022, Punhal Verde e Amarelo and Luneta, cell-site data, and Signal messages indicating surveillance and planned killings of authorities.
• The First Panel suspended the session after Moraes’s vote, with decisions from Cristiano Zanin, Cármen Lúcia and Flávio Dino still pending.
• Prosecutors allege Núcleo 3 executed the coup’s most violent tactical phase, including efforts to pressure military commanders and field operations to target officials such as Lula and Moraes.