Argentinian police arrested Joelton Gusmao de Oliveira, a 47-year-old Brazilian man, on Thursday in connection with the attempted coup in Brazil last year in support of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro. The arrest took place in La Plata, a city located 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Buenos Aires, according to an official statement from the Argentine authorities.
The statement confirmed that Brazil had issued a warrant for Gusmao de Oliveira’s arrest and detention in connection with charges related to the coup attempt and criminal association. In February, a Brazilian court sentenced him to 17 years in absentia for his involvement in the January 8, 2023, insurrection.
On that day, thousands of pro-Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil’s presidential palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court, demanding military intervention to oust newly elected left-wing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to Brazilian news outlet UOL, Gusmao de Oliveira had been living in Argentina as a refugee. He was arrested while attempting to renew his refugee status. In response to growing concerns over foreign nationals involved in serious crimes, Argentina amended its laws in October to prevent individuals charged or convicted of such offenses from obtaining or maintaining refugee status.
The arrest marks a significant development in efforts to hold those involved in the coup attempt accountable, as Brazil continues its investigation into the events of January 8.