MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Judge De Moraes orders arrests of deposed Bolsonarist official and of Police colonel

Torres announced he would be returning from the United States to take care of his defense

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre De Moraes Tuesday ordered the arrest of the former commander of the Military Police of the Federal District Colonel Fábio Augusto Vieira, and of the former Brasilia Secretary of Public Safety Anderson Torres.

Colonel Fábio Augusto Vieira, who was in charge of the troops deployed during Sunday's riots, was relieved of his command on Monday by the federal intervenor appointed to head the office previously under Torres, who was sacked by Brasilia Governor Ibaneis Rocha, who in turn was later suspended for 90 days by De Moraes pending the investigation into his alleged accountability for the violent events.

The arrests were requested by the Federal Police, citing omissions and connivance of local authorities in the control of acts, which allegedly occurred with the consent of those in charge of public safety within the Federal District.

The Federal Police cited the absence of police officers from the Shock Battalion, authorization for nearly 100 buses to enter Brasilia, and inertia regarding the deactivation of the camp in front of the Army barracks.
In accepting the arrest requests, Moraes said that the measure was necessary in light of the strong evidence indicating that those under investigation were “conniving” with those who carried out the assaults.

“The existence of a criminal organization, whose acts have been occurring regularly for months, including in the Federal District, is a strong indication of connivance and acquiescence of the Public Power with the crimes committed, revealing the serious compromise of public order and the possibility of repetition of similar acts if the circumstances remain the same,” De Moraes wrote.
The magistrate affirmed that democracy will not be shaken. “Absolutely everyone will be held civilly, politically, and criminally responsible for the acts against democracy, the rule of law, and institutions, including for the malicious collusion - by action or omission - motivated by ideology, money, weakness, cowardice, ignorance, or bad faith.”

While PF vehicles were deployed at Anderson Torres' home in Brasília on Tuesday, it had been reported that the official was on vacation in the US state of Florida. Torres, a former federal Justice Minister under President Jair Bolsonaro until Dec. 31, 2022, said on social media that he would be returning to Brazil to take care of his defense. “I have always guided my actions by ethics and legality. I believe in Brazilian justice and in the strength of the institutions. I am sure that the truth will prevail,” he stressed.

“I received news that Min Alexandre de Moraes of the STF determined my arrest and authorized a search of my residence. I took the decision to interrupt my vacation and return to Brazil. I will present myself to the court and take care of my defense,” he wrote.

(Source: Agencia Brasil)