Brazil Faces Reckoning: The High-Stakes Trial of a Four-Star General

A four-star general's arrest in Brazil marks a turning point as courts prepare to charge military figures, including former President Bolsonaro, for an alleged coup plot against President Lula. This unprecedented legal move tests Brazil's justice system, revealing deep national divides and challenging the military's tradition of impunity.

The arrest of a four-star general in Brazil signifies a bold stance by the nation's judiciary, prosecuting those implicated in a plot to overturn election results through violence. This marks a departure from a history of military impunity, a century-old shadow hanging over the country.

Walter Braga Netto, a former Defense Minister, was detained for his alleged involvement in a coup plot alongside former President Jair Bolsonaro. Accusations extend to over two dozen military officers, illustrating a potential end to the customary amnesty historically afforded to Brazil's armed forces when involved in political maneuvers.

This development challenges President Lula's delicate relationship with the military, as the country grapples with deep political divisions. While some hope for accountability, the slow-moving justice system and polarized opinions pose significant obstacles to prosecuting high-ranking military figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)