On May 8, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil made a significant decision by approving a proposal to suspend the criminal proceedings against federal deputy Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ). This move, which garnered 315 votes in favor and 143 against, has raised questions about its implications for former President Jair Bolsonaro and the broader political landscape.
The proposal, which is seen as a tactic by Ramagem's allies, aims to halt the criminal action currently in progress in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding accusations of a coup attempt linked to the events of January 8, 2023. According to three sources from the STF, the suspension is expected to have limited scope and is unlikely to benefit Bolsonaro directly in his ongoing legal troubles.
Ramagem, who previously served as the director-general of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin), has been accused of involvement in organizing a coup against the government. The allegations include attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the 2022 presidential elections and to orchestrate a violent takeover of the government. He became a defendant in the case following a decision by the First Panel of the STF on March 26, 2025.
During the discussions leading to the vote, Deputy Alfredo Gaspar (União-AL), the rapporteur of the request in the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), argued for the suspension of the entire criminal action. He claimed that this would benefit not only Ramagem but also other defendants, including Bolsonaro, who are implicated in the same case.
However, the STF sources clarified that the proposal only applies to crimes committed after Ramagem's diploma as a federal deputy on December 19, 2022. Therefore, it does not encompass the charges of violent abolition of the Democratic State of Law and criminal organization against him and Bolsonaro. One source emphasized that the Chamber's vote would have "zero impact" on Bolsonaro's legal situation.
In April 2025, Minister Cristiano Zanin had already indicated that the House could only suspend the analysis of Ramagem's case concerning crimes of qualified damage and deterioration of property. Hence, Ramagem would still be held accountable for the more serious charges related to the coup attempt.
The political maneuvering surrounding this vote is indicative of the ongoing tension between the legislative and judicial branches in Brazil. Allies of Bolsonaro have been pushing for an amnesty proposal aimed at those convicted for the January 8 attacks on the Three Powers, further complicating the political climate.
On the day of the vote, Ramagem defended himself against the accusations, claiming they were based on a flawed narrative. He stated, "How could I be part of the core of a coup attempt when there has been no evidence presented against me?" His defense rests on the assertion that he was focused on his electoral campaign at the time of the alleged events.
Despite the support Ramagem received from various parties, including the centrão, which is known for its political maneuvering, opposition parties like PSOL announced their intention to challenge the Chamber's decision in the STF. They argue that the proposal violates constitutional provisions regarding the immunity of parliamentarians.
Deputy Rubens Pereira Junior (PT-MA) criticized the proposal, stating that the constitutional article regarding parliamentary immunity does not extend to co-defendants who do not hold parliamentary mandates. He expressed concern that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach.
The approval of the proposal also highlighted divisions within the governing coalition. While some members of the government supported the suspension, others, particularly from left-leaning parties, vehemently opposed it, emphasizing the need for accountability for those involved in the coup attempt.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this decision remain to be seen. The STF's response to the Chamber's vote could further escalate tensions between the two branches of government. The Attorney General's Office has indicated that it may contest the decision, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
In summary, the suspension of criminal proceedings against Alexandre Ramagem has sparked a contentious debate in Brazil, raising questions about the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches. As the situation unfolds, the ramifications for former President Jair Bolsonaro and the broader political environment will be closely monitored.
