Brazilian Supreme Court Orders Release of Bolsonaro Aide Mauro Cid

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered the release of Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, a former aide to ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Cid had been detained since March 22 after being identified in audio recordings criticizing the Federal Police's handling of his plea bargain testimony from September 2022, which remains under seal.

Why this matters: The release of Mauro Cid could have significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the alleged 2022 coup plot and the actions of former President Jair Bolsonaro. As a key figure with close ties to Bolsonaro, Cid's testimony and cooperation with authorities could uncover evidence of wrongdoing and shed light on the extent of the former president's involvement.

Mauro Cid is considered a key figure in the investigation into the alleged 2022 coup plot involving Jair Bolsonaro, ministers from his government, and members of the Armed Forces. The decision to release Cid was made by Justice Moraes on Friday, March 3 in response to a petition filed by Cid's defense team. They argued that there was no attempt to obstruct investigations and that his continued detention was unnecessary.

The release of Mauro Cid comes as the Federal Police continues itsprobe, dubbed Operation Tempus Veritatis, which has brought investigators closer to ex-President Bolsonaro. The investigation is based largely on Cid's plea bargain and electronic equipment, as he served as Bolsonaro's aide-de-camp throughout his entire presidential term.

In his collaboration agreement with authorities, Cid provided details about the alleged elaboration of a coup plot, the sale of Saudi jewelry that was under the President's guard during Bolsonaro's administration, and the former president's alleged involvement in attempts to discredit and alter the 2022 election results. However, the agreement is currently under review after the surfacing of audio recordings suggesting that the Federal Police may have pressured Cid to provide information serving their interests.

Despite the questions surrounding Cid's plea deal, Justice AlexandredeMoraes maintained the validity of the collaboration agreement in his decision authorizing Cid's release. Moraes stated,"Considering the information provided during the hearing in this Supreme Court, as well as the evidence obtained through search and seizure, there is no obstacle to maintaining the collaboration agreement in these proceedings."

The release of Mauro Cid marks a significant development in the ongoing investigations into the alleged coup plot and the actions of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his associates. As a key figure with close ties to Bolsonaro, Cid's testimony and cooperation with authorities could prove pivotal in uncovering the full extent of any wrongdoing. The Federal Police's Operation Tempus Veritatis is expected to continue as investigators work to piece together the complex web of events surrounding the 2022 Brazilian presidential election and its aftermath.

Key Takeaways

• Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes orders release of Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, ex-aide to President Jair Bolsonaro.
• Cid's release may impact investigation into alleged 2022 coup plot and Bolsonaro's involvement.
• Cid is a key figure in the investigation, having served as Bolsonaro's aide-de-camp throughout his term.
• Cid's plea bargain testimony remains under seal, but may implicate Bolsonaro in wrongdoing.
• Federal Police's Operation Tempus Veritatis continues, with Cid's cooperation potentially pivotal in uncovering evidence.