Brazil Police Say Ex-President Bolsonaro Planned To Flee To Argentina Amid Coup Probe

Last Updated:August 22, 2025, 19:42 IST

Jair Bolsonaro considered fleeing to Argentina for asylum amid a coup trial, with police accusing him of obstruction.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro

Brazil’s federal police said that former president Jair Bolsonaro considered fleeing to Argentina and seeking political asylum, according to phone messages and documents seen by Associated Press. The revelations emerged as Jair Bolsonaro awaits a Supreme Court ruling in his trial over an alleged coup attempt to overturn the 2022 election. Police have now also formally accused him and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro of obstruction of justice linked to the case.

According to a 170-page police report, Jair Bolsonaro drafted a letter dated February 10, 2024 asking Argentine President Javier Milei’s government for asylum. He saved the document just two days after authorities raided his home and office in connection with the coup investigation.

“I, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, request political asylum… as I find myself in a situation of political persecution in Brazil and fear for my life," the draft letter read.

Around the same time, Jair Bolsonaro admitted spending two nights at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília, fuelling speculation he was seeking refuge to avoid arrest.

The asylum plan forms part of wider obstruction allegations. Police have said Jair Bolsonaro flouted restrictions linked to his house arrest, continued to mobilise allies against Brazil’s democratic institutions and spread content aimed at discrediting the Supreme Court and Congress.

Jair Bolsonaro And Donald Trump

Police evidence also pointed to Jair Bolsonaro and his son discussing ways to invoke support from US president Donald Trump to sway public opinion. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who moved to the US earlier this year, told his father in one exchange, “The most powerful man in the world is on your side. We did our part." Investigators say Jair Bolsonaro also communicated with lawyers linked to Donald Trump’s media allies, seeking advice on public statements.

Location :

Brazil

First Published:

August 22, 2025, 19:42 IST

News world Brazil Police Say Ex-President Bolsonaro Planned To Flee To Argentina Amid Coup Probe

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