Brazil’s Supreme Court has demanded that former President Jair Bolsonaro respond within 48 hours to police claims that he planned to flee to Argentina to evade prosecution over an alleged coup attempt.
Draft asylum found — police reveal evidence
Federal police investigators uncovered a draft political asylum request addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei saved on Bolsonaro’s phone, dated February 10, 2024. The unsigned document portrayed Bolsonaro as facing “imminent arrest” and requesting “urgent” sanctuary abroad. Argentine authorities confirmed no such letter was ever received.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes cited this discovery in issuing an ultimatum to Bolsonaro’s legal team, demanding explanation within 48 hours. He noted the police evidence suggested “Bolsonaro was in possession of a document designed to enable him to escape national territory.”
Context of the coup allegations and trial
Bolsonaro stands accused of orchestrating a failed coup to overturn the result of the 2022 presidential election. The trial is scheduled to begin between 2 and 12 September, with potential sentences totalling over 40 years in prison if convicted.
In addition to the asylum draft, investigations point to attempts by Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, to influence legal proceedings through pressure on U.S. officials. This includes encouraging sanctions and trade actions against Brazilian judicial figures.
Political fallout and family tensions exposed
The mounting legal jeopardy and political fallout are amplified by a flurry of messages uncovered in the investigation. These include tense exchanges between Bolsonaro, his son Eduardo, and close allies such as evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia—highlighting both internal discord and strategic manoeuvring ahead of the trial.
What comes next
Bolsonaro now faces a tight 48-hour deadline to provide a formal explanation of the asylum draft or risk pre-emptive detention before the trial begins. With proceedings set for early September, the revelations cast a long shadow over his legal strategy, family dynamics, and political alliances.
REFH – Newshub, 24 August 2025
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