Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro reportedly considered fleeing to Argentina and seeking political asylum, according a report by the Associated Press.
He is currently under investigation for his alleged role in a coup attempt. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case next month. He is also facing a new case after police formally accused him and one of his sons of obstruction of justice linked to his ongoing trial.
A close ally of Bolsonaro was also targeted in the investigation. His passport was seized, though he has not been formally charged.
According to a 170-page police report, Bolsonaro had saved a draft letter dated February 10, 2024, addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei, asking for political asylum. The draft was saved just two days after police raided his home and office as part of the coup plot investigation.
“I, Jair Messias Bolsonaro, request political asylum from Your Excellency in the Republic of Argentina, under an urgent regime, as I find myself in a situation of political persecution in Brazil and fear for my life,” the draft stated, according to the report.
On February 12, just days after preparing the asylum request, Bolsonaro reportedly stayed for two nights at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília. Critics argued that the move suggested he was trying to avoid arrest.
The report further said Bolsonaro had ignored conditions of his house arrest and continued to share content with his supporters. Police investigators believe his actions aimed to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions, including the Supreme Court and Congress.
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Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
