Braga Netto requests to take a distance learning course and have cable TV in prison
General Walter Braga Netto, convicted of an attempted coup, has requested permission to study via distance learning and access cable television while serving his prison sentence in Brazil.
General Walter Braga Netto, a former Minister in Jair Bolsonaro's government, is seeking permission from the Brazilian Supreme Court to access cable television and participate in a distance learning program in an effort to reduce his prison sentence. His legal team argues that being able to engage in educational pursuits is crucial for his rehabilitation. The general has expressed interest in a program offered by Estácio College, which aligns with the educational project of the military unit where he is incarcerated.
Braga Netto was sentenced to 26 years in prison following his arrest in December 2024 for attempting a coup against the Brazilian government in September 2025. His defense cites the Brazilian Penal Execution Law, which supports the idea that education can serve as a means of reintegration into society and can potentially lead to a reduction of sentence through demonstrated commitment to personal development.
The request has sparked discussions around the privileges afforded to high-profile prisoners in Brazil, especially those involved in serious crimes against the state. It raises questions about the broader context of prison reform and the implications of educational access for convicts, which may influence perceptions of justice and equality in the penal system ahead of future legal proceedings and societal reactions.