Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s defense told the Brazilian Supreme Court he did not request political asylum from Argentine President Javier Milei. The lawyers also denied he intends to flee the country.
The statement was submitted Friday (Aug. 22), after Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Wednesday (20) granted a 48-hour deadline for his lawyers to comment on an asylum request found by the Federal Police on Bolsonaro’s cell phone during a search and seizure last month as part of the investigation into US sanctions against Brazil. According to the police, the document had been on the device since 2024.
His defense declared that the document was a “draft” and the asylum request was never submitted. The lawyers also took the opportunity to request the revocation of Bolsonaro’s house arrest.
Jair Bolsonaro’s counsel also reiterated he always complied with the precautionary measures ruled by the court – including the ban on leaving the country and on using any social media accounts.
“With or without the draft, the former president did not flee. On the contrary, he observed all the decisions issued by the Supreme Court – including the one prohibiting him from traveling abroad – responded to the complaint filed against him, was present at all hearings, and always complied with all orders,” his lawyers said.
Bolsonaro and his son, Representative Eduardo Bolsonaro were indicted by the Federal Police in the investigation into US sanctions. After receiving the police indictment, Justice Moraes forwarded the case to Brazil’s prosecutor-general, who should decide whether Bolsonaro and his son will be charged before the Supreme Court. Since the beginning of this month, Bolsonaro has been under house arrest.
SMS message
Bolsonaro’s defense also commented on other accusations contained in the police report, such as the mention of an SMS message from General Braga Netto, who was prohibited from contacting Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, his lawyers argued, did not respond to the message, nor did he commit any illegal act.
“The message was merely received. There was no response, no reaction, no communication from the former president,” the defense stated.
Trump’s lawyer
Regarding the former president’s request for guidance from US lawyer Martin Luca, linked to President Donald Trump, on how to comment the high tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports, the defense said the messages were exchanged before the precautionary measures had been decreed.
“The US lawyer is not under investigation in any case. And no prohibition exists on contact between the petitioner and the lawyer,” the defense pointed out.
Financial transactions
The defense also criticized the disclosure of Bolsonaro’s bank details. According to the investigators, the former president moved approximately BRL 30.5 million in one year.
“The worst is, a money transfer to his wife, from lawful sources, was announced […] as evidence of money laundering,” the lawyers stated.
Lawfare
Finally, Jair Bolsonaro’s lawyers accused the Federal Police of committing lawfare. Lawfare theory was disseminated in Brazil by Cristiano Zanin, former lawyer for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and current justice of the Supreme Federal Court.
“The Federal Police report is shocking. It operates like a political piece, with the aim of demoralizing a former president – he is still a political leader, whether the police authorities like it or not – by exposing his private life and accusing him of facts as serious as they are unfounded,” the lawyers added.
Source: Agência Brasil