Supreme Court Justice orders release of 46 arrested for pro-coup acts

Federal Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, rapporteur of the cases related to the January 8 pro-coup acts, ordered the release of 46 defendants on Monday (Dec. 18). As a condition of their release, the defendants will have to comply with precautionary measures, such as wearing electronic ankle monitors, instead of being held in custody.

On Monday, the minister also approved 38 non-prosecution agreements. According to these agreements, individuals accused of non-violent crimes with a minimum sentence of four years can confess to their offenses in exchange for alternative measures to imprisonment. These measures include restitution for damages, forfeiture of assets obtained through the crime, payment of fines, and community service.

The agreement was proposed by the Attorney General's Office specifically for individuals arrested in front of the Army headquarters in Brasília on January 8. Those under investigation who participated in the acts of vandalism against the Brazilian National Congress, the Planalto presidential palace, and the Supreme Court will not be eligible for this benefit.

According to the office of Justice Alexandre de Moraes, 66 individuals under investigation have remained in prison since January 8.