Brazilian authorities allege former President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo plotted to obstruct justice during Bolsonaro's coup trial. Evidence suggests Bolsonaro considered seeking asylum in Argentina, raising questions on his commitment to face legal challenges.
Bolsonaro's Alleged Asylum Plans Exposed Amid Trial for Coup Attempt
Bolsonaro's Alleged Asylum Plans Exposed Amid Trial for Coup Attempt
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is implicated in obstructing justice and plans to evade his ongoing coup trial, police say.
Police in Brazil have recently accused ex-President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo of obstructing justice as they navigate through Brasília’s ongoing coup trial against the elder Bolsonaro. The trial centers around allegations that he orchestrated an attempted coup following his defeat in the 2022 elections. The police investigation points to a document discovered on Bolsonaro’s mobile device suggesting a plan to flee to Argentina to avoid legal repercussions.
In a 170-page report compiled by law enforcement, authorities noted that Eduardo Bolsonaro actively lobbied the Trump administration, allegedly resulting in punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods. This assertion comes just before the decisive phase of the elder Bolsonaro’s trial, further escalating the pressure on both him and his son.
Jair Bolsonaro maintains his innocence regarding the coup accusations, framing the trial as a “political witch hunt” aimed at preventing his potential presidential candidacy in 2026. He expressed skepticism over the impartiality of the Supreme Court justices involved, reiterating that he never intended to evade trial. However, police reported finding a draft of an asylum request letter addressed to Argentina's President Javier Milei, modified in February 2024, shortly after Bolsonaro relinquished his passport to authorities.
The report highlights concerns over Bolsonaro's intentions, as he remains under house arrest, where he is prohibited from social media and contacting his son. Eduardo has come under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to sway U.S. government actions concerning his father's trial, with the Trump administration subsequently imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, ostensibly in response to Bolsonaro’s treatment.
Eduardo, currently residing in the U.S., has rejected the accusations, asserting that his discussions did not aim to influence legal matters in Brazil but rather sought to advance personal freedoms. This unfolding situation surrounding the Bolsonaro family continues to be a focal point in Brazil’s charged political landscape.
