Former FAB Commander Criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro's Statement

Lieutenant-Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, former commander of the Brazilian Air Force, reacted this Saturday, 29, to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's claim that he was campaigning for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The military officer's response, published on X, used the word “recklessness” to describe the accusation.

Why Flávio's Statement Sparked a Reaction

During the Globo interview on Friday, 28, Flávio Bolsonaro was questioned about the testimonies of former commanders of the Armed Forces regarding the attempted institutional breakdown at the end of Jair Bolsonaro's government. Baptista Junior, who commanded the Air Force at the time, had reported to the Supreme Federal Court that he resisted pressures for the military to join the plan.

Baptista Junior's Response

In his post, the former commander wrote: “The recklessness of saying that I campaign for President Lula's re-election, presented to avoid addressing the real question posed in yesterday's debate on Globo, is above all a tool to escape the responsibility of answering it.” The text indicates that the accusation was used to divert focus from the question asked to the candidate.

Invitation to Read the Book

Baptista Junior suggested that Flávio await the launch of his book “Eu Disse Não! Uma trincheira antigolpista” (I Said No! An Anti-Coup Trench), published by Autêntica Editora, before making new claims about his actions during that period. The author describes the behind-the-scenes of the institutional crisis, including meetings at the Palácio da Alvorada and the Ministry of Defense, where exceptional measures and a coup draft were discussed.

Context of the Reports to the STF

In testimonies to the Supreme Federal Court, the former commander detailed meetings in the final months of the Bolsonaro government, where proposals to prevent Lula's inauguration were discussed. He stated that he refused to receive a copy of the draft and reported that the then Army commander, General Marco Antônio Freire Gomes, warned Bolsonaro that he could be arrested if he insisted on an attempted coup. He also mentioned that Admiral Almir Garnier, then Navy commander, placed the Force's troops at the disposal of the plan.

Judicial Developments

The military officers' reports were included in Criminal Action 2668, at the STF, which judged members of the central core of the attempted coup. The trial concluded in September 2025 with Jair Bolsonaro's conviction to 27 years and three months in prison.

Reaction to Flávio's Campaign Coordinator

Baptista Junior also provoked Flávio's general campaign coordinator, Senator Rogério Marinho, suggesting he not embody “the spirit of our dear Zagallo” by demanding that “the so-called consented right will have to swallow us.”

With information from Estadão.