Brazil Police Reveal Bolsonaro Planned Argentina Asylum Amid Coup Trial

Brazilian federal police uncovered a 33-page draft asylum request on former President Jair Bolsonaro's mobile phone, which indicated his plans to seek political asylum in Argentina amid ongoing investigations into his role in an attempted coup after the 2022 presidential election. The undated document, addressed to Argentina's right-wing President Javier Milei, stated Bolsonaro's claims of political persecution and fear of illegal imprisonment. This discovery was part of a broader investigation that also accused Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo of obstructing justice and coercing Brazil's Supreme Court during the trial concerning the coup attempt. Bolsonaro has been under house arrest with precautionary measures including an electronic anklet and social media restrictions due to risks of flight and noncompliance. Authorities suspect the asylum request document may have been authored by the wife of Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, another of Bolsonaro's sons. These revelations highlight the escalating legal and political turmoil surrounding Bolsonaro and his family as Brazil continues to address the coup-related inquiries.