The Brazilian judiciary has given former president Jair Bolsonaro a 48-hour deadline to justify an alleged attempt to seek asylum in Argentina. The measure was ordered by judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has been pursuing judicial proceedings against the conservative leader for months.
The magistrate alleges noncompliance with precautionary measures and risk of flight, within the framework of the case concerning an alleged "coup d'état" after the 2022 elections. However, Bolsonaro himself keeps that he is the target of political persecution aimed at removing him from Brazilian public life.
An asylum request under scrutiny
On a seized cell phone, the Federal Police found a 33-page draft of a political asylum request addressed to Argentine president Javier Milei. According to authorities, the file was allegedly prepared by the former president's family. The document denounces persecution for political reasons and requests protection in Argentina.
Bolsonaro resiste una ofensiva judicial mientras crecen las críticas a De Moraes
The existence of this document was used by De Moraes as evidence of Bolsonaro's alleged intention to leave the country. However, it was never formally submitted and lacked both a signature and a date.
Political persecution and weak cases
Bolsonaro's defense insists that the judicial proceedings lack foundation and seek to politically ban him. Both he and his sons have been accused of "coercion" against the Supreme Federal Court, in a case based on broad interpretations and without solid evidence.
For his supporters, Bolsonaro faces the same lawfare recipe seen in other countries in the region: endless trials, inflated accusations, and ongoing harassment from power sectors aligned with Lula da Silva's administration.
Bolsonaro resiste una ofensiva judicial mientras crecen las críticas a De Moraes
Judge Alexandre de Moraes, internationally questioned
The role of the judge serving dictator Lula da Silva, Alexandre de Moraes, has been the subject of criticism both inside and outside Brazil. The United States Department of State warned this week that its sanctions against the magistrate remain in effect and are extraterritorial.
Washington described De Moraes as "toxic" and warned companies and citizens that any connection with him may result in sanctions. This is a direct blow to his international credibility, which reinforces Bolsonaro's claim about the political bias behind judicial decisions.
