Government Closes Investigation of Popular Priest Among 37 Accused by Brazil's Government for Involvement in Alleged Coup to Assassinate President Lula

The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) has officially closed the investigation into Father José Eduardo de Oliveira e Silva regarding his alleged involvement in the 2022 coup attempt.

The Decision

On March 20, 2026, Justice Alexandre de Moraes signed the order to definitively dismiss the case. This ruling came 12 days after the priest’s legal counsel, Miguel Vidigal, filed a formal request for the investigation to be closed.

Background of the Allegations

  • Initial Indictment: In November 2024, the Federal Police (PF) indicted the Osasco-based priest, suspecting him of belonging to a "legal core" that drafted decrees to support a coup preventing President Lula’s inauguration.

  • The Scope: The broader investigation included former President Jair Bolsonaro, as well as various military officers and former ministers.

  • PGR Stance: Despite the initial police suspicion, the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) declined to formally charge the priest when it presented its findings to the STF on February 18.

Defense Statement

Attorney Miguel Vidigal emphasized that the priest’s activities in Brasília were strictly pastoral. Key points from the defense include:

  • Spiritual Counseling: The defense maintained that Father José Eduardo’s meetings were for "spiritual care and counseling," rather than political conspiracy.

  • Religious Freedom: Vidigal expressed hope that this case remains an "outlier," citing that constitutional religious freedoms and the Brazil-Holy See Agreement should have protected the priest from such "unfounded and slanderous" scrutiny.

  • Reputational Damage: The defense noted that while the priest's life was publically scrutinized and his reputation attacked by the media, he was never formally charged with any crime.

  • Sources - https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2024/11/popular-priest-among-37-accused-by.html https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/blogs/caio-junqueira/politica/moraes-arquiva-investigacao-contra-padre-do-inquerito-da-trama-golpista/

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