Federal police in Brazil have alleged that former President Jair Bolsonaro planned to flee to Argentina to seek political asylum ahead of a crucial Supreme Court judgment. The allegation is based on a document found on his mobile phone, according to a newly filed court report.
The far-right leader faces over 40 years in prison if convicted of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2022 election he lost to leftist rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court trial is scheduled to begin on September 2nd.
Details of the Alleged Asylum Plan
The 170-page police report claims an unsigned draft asylum request letter was saved on Bolsonaro’s phone in February 2024. This was just two days after his passport was seized as part of the ongoing investigation into an alleged military coup plot.
The document, addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei, stated Bolsonaro was “being persecuted for essentially political reasons” and described him as “a politically persecuted person.” It argued that his potential arrest would be “unjust, illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional.”
Broader Accusations of Interference
The Bolsonaro Argentina asylum allegation emerged alongside another formal accusation. Police also accused Bolsonaro and his congressman son, Eduardo, of attempting to interfere with the upcoming judgment by encouraging U.S. officials to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court.
Eduardo Bolsonaro has been lobbying figures in Donald Trump’s administration. In July, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian steel imports and announced sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the case.
Internal Strife Within Bolsonaro’s Circle
The police report also exposed significant infighting among Bolsonaro’s allies. Leaked WhatsApp messages reveal a heated exchange where Eduardo Bolsonaro used expletives against his father after public criticism.
In another message, influential evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia, himself under investigation, called Eduardo “an inexperienced prick” for his celebration of Trump’s tariffs. Malafaia has since been questioned and banned from leaving Brazil.
Denial and Next Steps
Bolsonaro has consistently denied all charges. His son criticized the police for “leaking private, absolutely normal conversations,” calling the move politically motivated. An Argentine government source told Reuters that Milei’s office never received such an asylum request.
The Supreme Court is now reviewing the extensive police report as it prepares for the landmark trial next month, which will be a critical moment for Brazilian democracy.
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