Brazil’s Ex-President Bolsonaro Accused of Planning Asylum in Argentina
Key Facts
Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, is facing allegations of planning to seek political asylum in Argentina, based on evidence found on his seized cellphone, according to the Federal Police. The discovery was made during an investigation into Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, for alleged attempts of a state coup and obstruction of justice.
Background and Context
Bolsonaro, who lost the 2022 presidential election to leftwing opponent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is accused of conspiring to overturn the election results. The ex-president is facing a potential jail term of over 40 years, with Brazil’s supreme court due to decide on his guilt next month. Amid these charges, the Brazilian Police reported finding a document on Bolsonaro's phone suggesting plans to flee to Argentina, dated February 10, 2024.
Key Developments and Details
The Federal Police alleges that Bolsonaro, along with his son Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), used their wives' accounts in transactions to avoid asset freezes. It was also revealed that Bolsonaro transferred R$ 2 million to his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, on June 4 of this year.
The final police report also indicates a continuous exchange of messages between Bolsonaro and his lawyer, Martin de Luca, as well as Donald Trump's lawyer, allegedly aimed at attacking Justice Moraes.
In intercepted messages, Bolsonaro reportedly spoke with ministers of the Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) and asked his son Eduardo to spare Minister Gilmar Mendes from criticism. Following this, Eduardo berated his father in a message, calling him an ungrateful son of a gun.
Audio exchanges between Bolsonaro and pastor Silas Malafaia were also released by the Federal Police and the Supreme Federal Court following the announcement of tariffs on Brazilian products by the U.S. President, Donald Trump. Malafaia was subsequently targeted by a Federal Police operation.
Implications and Reactions
The alleged asylum request was addressed to Argentina's president, Javier Milei. However, Bolsonaro remains under house arrest, denying all charges of plotting a military coup.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal deputy, has also been implicated in the scandal. The police have requested that both father and son be charged for allegedly attempting to obstruct judicial proceedings.
Pastor Silas Malafaia, a religious figure targeted in the investigation, has expressed dissatisfaction with the seizure of his Bible messages, branding Moraes a 'criminal'.
Current Status
As the charges against Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo intensify, it remains uncertain how these developments will affect the pending supreme court judgment. Despite the mounting evidence presented by the Federal Police, the former president continues to deny the allegations.