Brazilian authorities have ordered the arrest of Federal Deputy Alexandre Ramagem amid allegations of attempting to subvert the 2022 presidential election results and concerns he was preparing to flee the country. The arrest warrant, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court on Friday, represents the latest advancement in a widening inquiry into alleged anti-democratic actions following the election. Ramagem, a member of the Liberal Party representing Rio de Janeiro, was previously sentenced to over 16 years in prison for his alleged role in the scheme, and now faces a fugitive status if not apprehended within Brazil.
Brazilian authorities have ordered the arrest of Federal Deputy Alexandre Ramagem, a member of the Liberal Party representing Rio de Janeiro, following concerns he was attempting to flee the country. The move comes after Ramagem was convicted in connection with an alleged plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
The arrest warrant was issued Friday, November 22, by Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), after federal police indicated a risk of Ramagem absconding. This case is part of a broader crackdown on individuals accused of undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions following the contentious 2022 election.
If authorities are unable to locate Ramagem within Brazil, he will be considered a fugitive. The request for his preventative arrest, along with those of several other former high-ranking officials, came from the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) on Thursday, November 21. Those also named in the request include former Navy Commander Almir Garnier, ex-Chief of the Institutional Security Cabinet Augusto Heleno, former Justice Minister Anderson Torres, and former Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira – all of whom were convicted in relation to the attempted coup.
Notably, the request did not include former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under preventative house arrest.
Ramagem was sentenced to 16 years, one month, and 15 days in prison in September following a ruling by the STF’s First Panel. The conviction stemmed from charges of criminal organization, violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law, and attempted coup d’état. The court had previously prohibited Ramagem from leaving the country and required him to surrender his passport.
The PSOL’s request for arrest gained urgency after reports surfaced indicating Ramagem was in Miami, Florida. According to the party, this suggests he has already left Brazil, bolstering the argument that he poses a flight risk.
On Tuesday, November 19, Ramagem participated remotely in a vote on the base text of a bill aimed at combating factionalism within the Chamber of Deputies. He requested the use of an international roaming cell phone to participate, a request that raised further suspicions about his location. However, Chamber rules prohibit lawmakers from exercising their duties from outside of Brazil.
Contexto do caso
Alexandre Ramagem previously served as the director of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) during Bolsonaro’s administration. He was found guilty by the STF of involvement in a criminal scheme to destabilize Brazil’s democratic processes following the 2022 election.
In May, the court upheld the criminal charges against Ramagem for attempted coup d’état, criminal organization, and violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law, while suspending some accusations after he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies.
O pedido de prisão e a alegação de risco
The PSOL formally submitted a request to the STF and federal police on Wednesday, November 20, urging the immediate arrest of Ramagem. The party argued that his departure from the country without proper notification of authorities violated the conditions of his release and demonstrated a “substantial probability of flight.”
The Chamber of Deputies also stated it had not received any formal notification regarding Ramagem’s departure from Brazil, further questioning his conduct in light of the pending legal proceedings.
Consequências e próximos passos
With the arrest warrant issued, the process of executing the sentence will begin, unless new appeals suspend its implementation. Ramagem’s defense team has stated they will not be issuing a public statement at this time.
If the arrest is carried out, Ramagem could lose the special jurisdictional privilege afforded to members of Congress, potentially paving the way for his removal from office. Discussions regarding his potential impeachment or expulsion have already begun.
Importância para o cenário político
Ramagem’s case is part of a larger investigation into attempts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions after the 2022 election. The actions against him and other defendants signal a firm stance by the courts and oversight bodies against threats to the democratic order.
For the PSOL and other opposition parties, Ramagem’s arrest represents a crucial step towards holding public officials accountable for actions they allege were intended to weaken the rule of law. Meanwhile, Ramagem’s allies and legal representatives maintain that he retains the right to a full defense and will pursue all available legal avenues.
