Brazil’s former president Jail Bolsonaro, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical exams, leaves a hospital in Brasilia, Brazil , Saturday.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is again at the center of controversy. Federal police say he secretly drafted a request for political asylum in Argentina. The revelation comes as Bolsonaro faces mounting legal troubles, including accusations of attempting a coup and obstructing justice.
Bolsonaro’s Asylum Draft Revealed
Brazil’s federal police discovered messages on Bolsonaro’s phone linking him to a plan to flee to Argentina. According to a 170-page police report, he prepared a formal asylum request to President Javier Milei’s government dated February 10, 2024.
This draft was created just two days after authorities raided Bolsonaro’s home and office in connection with the coup plot investigation.
Nights at the Hungarian Embassy Raise Eyebrows
Around the same time, Bolsonaro admitted spending two nights at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília. His stay fueled speculation that he was trying to avoid arrest. Investigators argue this forms part of his alleged obstruction of justice, as he reportedly ignored house arrest restrictions.
Defiance Against Precautionary Measures
The report accuses Bolsonaro of violating court-ordered measures, including restrictions on outside communication. Instead, he allegedly shared content with allies to attack Brazil’s democratic institutions. Evidence reviewed by the Associated Press shows that he targeted both the Supreme Court and Congress.
Bolsonaro’s Plea to Argentina
In a 33-page asylum letter, Bolsonaro claimed he faced political persecution in Brazil and feared for his life. He addressed Milei directly, writing that his situation was “urgent.”
Both Bolsonaro and Milei are known supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump, further linking their political ideologies.
Supreme Court Tightens the Grip
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, overseeing the case, demanded Bolsonaro’s lawyers explain the asylum attempt within 48 hours. He also highlighted the former president’s repeated failure to comply with court restrictions.
Bolsonaro’s passport was seized on February 8, 2024. Despite multiple requests, de Moraes has refused to return it, citing flight risk concerns.
Argentina Denies Receiving Request
Manuel Adorni, spokesperson for Milei, confirmed that Argentina’s government has not received any asylum request. Bolsonaro himself has avoided commenting on the matter.
Notably, Bolsonaro attended Milei’s inauguration in December 2023, while current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva skipped the event, underscoring the frosty ties between the two leaders.
Allies Under Scrutiny
The police investigation also extended to Bolsonaro’s close allies. Evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia had his passport and phone seized but avoided formal charges. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo Bolsonaro is directly implicated in obstruction of justice accusations.
Messages with His Son Eduardo
Investigators uncovered conversations between Bolsonaro and his son, discussing ways to praise Donald Trump. They believed this strategy could influence proceedings in Brazil.
Eduardo urged his father to act “responsibly” and suggested that only Trump’s backing could shield him from prison. He also admitted difficulty in maintaining access to the White House, stressing that U.S. support was crucial.
Trump as a Political Lifeline
In one exchange, Eduardo told Bolsonaro that “the most powerful man in the world is on your side.” Bolsonaro reportedly drafted statements praising Trump and sought advice from Martin de Luca, a lawyer linked to Rumble and Trump Media.
Bolsonaro even asked De Luca to help polish a message highlighting “freedom over economic issues,” before posting it online.
Coup Trial Looms Over Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro’s fate now rests with Brazil’s Supreme Court. A panel of five justices is expected to rule on the coup attempt between September 2 and 12.
Although the asylum revelations will not influence that decision, prosecutors claim Bolsonaro and his allies formed a criminal organization. Their alleged aim was to overturn election results, with extreme plots that included threats against Lula and Justice de Moraes.
