Lula’s minister rejects link between Armed Forces and coup plotters – 01/20/2023 – Power

The Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro, said this Friday (20) that he is waiting for “proofs” so that measures can be taken against military personnel who participated in the acts of vandalism on January 8. Múcio said that the military are aware of and agree with this.

He made the statement after meeting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) with the commanders of the Armed Forces.

“It was not discussed [punição de militares], because that is up to Justice. We are behind, waiting for the evidence so that measures are and will be taken.”

Múcio stated that he understands that there was no direct involvement of the Armed Forces in the coup acts of January 8, which ended with the invasion of the National Congress, the Planalto Palace and the Federal Supreme Court.

“I understand that there was no direct involvement of the Armed Forces. Now, if any individual element had its participation, he will respond as a citizen”, said the minister to journalists, at the Planalto Palace.

As shown to Sheeta report in possession of the Ministry of Justice identified at least eight active-duty military personnel stationed in the Presidency of the Republic during the government of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) who attended events last year at the coup-mongering camp in front of the Army headquarters.

In addition, the document shows that some participated in a WhatsApp group in which anti-democratic messages and threats to Lula were exchanged and shared.

The report was produced during the government transition based on conversations obtained from WhatsApp groups. The military were allocated in particular in the GSI (Institutional Security Office) of the Presidency during the management of General Augusto Heleno, one of Bolsonaro’s main allies.

Despite refuting the direct involvement of the Armed Forces in the coup act, Múcio admitted that the meeting was brought forward to reduce the tension in the relationship between Lula and the Armed Forces.

“Do not have the slightest doubt that this was why we sought to bring this meeting forward,” he said.

He stated that the forecast is that the meeting would take place at the end of January or beginning of February, but that he asked the military leaders to anticipate the conclusion of the reports requested by Lula on the situation of each corporation to present to the president.

This Friday, Lula’s meeting with the commanders of the Armed Forces also had the participation of the president of Fiesp, Josué Alencar, and other businessmen.

The Minister of Defense stated that issues involving the coup demonstrations on January 8 were not discussed at the meeting. The agenda would be the strengthening of the national defense industry. Múcio stated that the commanders are aware that Lula, in his first two terms, strengthened the Navy, Army and Air Force, with strategic projects, such as the nuclear submarine and the new fighter jets.

“It’s him [Lula] I wanted to renew that trust. Evidently, we could not keep this last agenda [do ato golpista], we have to think ahead, we have to pacify this country. We have to govern,” he said.

Múcio and the Armed Forces became the target of criticism from PT members, because of the ease with which demonstrators invaded the Esplanada dos Ministérios and caused the destruction of public buildings.

The situation of the Minister of Defense was delicate, because he avoided treating the camps in front of the barracks as anti-democratic actions. Múcio even claimed that Jair Bolsonaro himself was a democrat. The portfolio holder said he did not regret his speeches.

“I don’t regret [de ter classificado como democráticas], because I came to trade. I could not negotiate with you and a priori create a prejudgment for you. I have no regrets,” she said.

The minister stated that the military is aware that there will need to be an investigation into the events of January 8 and possible punishment, but that care will be needed in the investigation.

“The military are aware and agree that we are going to take these measures. Obviously, in the heat of emotion, we need to be careful that this trial, these accusations, are fair so that the sentences are fair. But everything will be provided in time “, he stated.

Múcio also stated that he wanted to “turn the page” in relation to the coup acts and said that there is no chance that these actions will be repeated. He stated that now the Armed Forces “will anticipate”.

After the meeting with Lula, Múcio and the military commanders participated in another meeting to prepare for a last-minute trip by the president to Roraima. Ministers Rui Costa (Civil Staff), Wellington Dias (Social Development), Nísia Trindade (Health), Sônia Guajajara (Indigenous Peoples) and Esther Dweck (Management) also participated in this meeting.