Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, 70, and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, 41, are under scrutiny from police for their alleged roles in obstructing justice during ongoing legal proceedings. The accusations arise from claims that they attempted to interfere in Bolsonaro's trial concerning an attempted coup following his defeat in the 2022 elections.
A 170-page police report indicates that authorities discovered a document on Bolsonaro's mobile phone suggesting he had contemplated fleeing to Argentina to avoid the legal repercussions he faces. The report also claims that his son Eduardo sought to lobby the Trump administration to influence outcomes in Brazil, contributing to tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods by the U.S.
The trial, in its final stages, has intensified scrutiny on Bolsonaro, who, despite the allegations, has accused the judiciary of conducting a "political witch hunt". He maintains that he never sought to evade justice, expressing skepticism over the impartiality of the judges involved in his case. However, police sources have revealed a draft letter requesting asylum from Argentine President Javier Milei, allegedly modified in February 2024, shortly after Bolsonaro surrendered his passport to law enforcement. While unconfirmed by Argentine officials, the existence of this draft suggests intentions to evade the trial.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes has granted Bolsonaro's legal team 48 hours to clarify the asylum request, placing mounting pressure on the ex-president. Currently, Bolsonaro is under house arrest, prohibited from using social media and contacting his son due to previous legal violations. Additionally, police reports implicate Eduardo Bolsonaro in exerting influence over his father's case via appeals to the Trump administration, which led to heightened tariffs that officials argue were more politically motivated than trade-related. Recently, Eduardo took to social media to refute the allegations, maintaining that his efforts were aimed merely at championing individual freedoms within Brazil.
