Minister Alexandre de Moraes voted to reject appeals from five former members of the leadership of the Military Police of the Federal District accused of failing to act against the anti-democratic acts of January 8.
On Friday, October 13, Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) voted to reject appeals from five former leaders of the Military Police of the Federal District. These individuals are facing serious charges related to their roles during the anti-democratic acts that occurred on January 8, which involved violent attempts to undermine democratic order. Moraes, serving as the rapporteur for the case, underscored the severity of their inaction in the face of threats to the Three Powers' headquarters.
The Supreme Court's First Panel unanimously sentenced the accused individuals to 16 years in prison and disqualification from holding public office. They were found guilty of several crimes, including violent abolition of the democratic state, coup d'état, qualified damage to public property, and deterioration of protected heritage. The judgment reflects a pivotal moment in Brazil's judicial response to the January 8 events, where the integrity of democratic institutions was severely challenged.
The case's prosecutor, representing the Attorney General's Office, argued that the accused had sufficient knowledge of the impending risks and possessed the necessary means to act against the invasions of public buildings. This ruling by the STF not only reinforces accountability for those in positions of power but also serves as a warning against complicity in acts that jeopardize democratic governance. The implications of this ruling extend beyond the individuals involved, potentially affecting future conduct of security forces in politically charged situations.
