Brazilian Judge Threatens to Jail Witness in Coup Plot Trial

Brazil Coup Plot Trial: Judge Threatens Witness with Arrest for 'Linguistic' Argument Brazil is currently embroiled in a trial investigating a plot to overthrow the government and maintain Jair Bolsonaro in power. A recent hearing saw a heated exchange between Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes and Aldo Rebelo, a witness testifying for the defense of former Navy Commander Almir Garnier. Rebelo, a former minister and ex-president of the Chamber of Deputies, attempted to explain the meaning of "at the disposal" in a linguistic context, arguing it shouldn't be taken literally. This interpretation, however, infuriated Moraes, who retorted, "The gentleman was not in the meeting when Admiral Garnier used the expression? Then the gentleman is not in a position to assess the Portuguese language at that moment. Stick to the facts." Rebelo responded, "In the first place, my appreciation of the Portuguese language is my own, and I do not accept censorship." Moraes then threatened to have Rebelo arrested for contempt. The incident highlights the tensions within the trial and the efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged coup plot. The trial continues.