Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave Jair Bolsonaro’s defense team 48 hours on Wednesday (Aug. 20) to clarify the document requesting political asylum found by the Federal Police on the former president’s cell phone.
In his decision, Moraes stated that the Federal Police report – which led to the indictment of Bolsonaro and his son, Federal Representative Eduardo Bolsonaro, in the investigation into US tariffs against Brazil – detailed several attempts to circumvent precautionary measures. These measures barred contact with other suspects in the coup plot and restricted access to social media, including through third-party accounts.
According to the report, Bolsonaro considered requesting political asylum from Argentine President Javier Milei. The 33-page document – unsigned and undated – had been saved on the device since 2024.
In addition, the justice cited contact made by General Braga Netto after he was prohibited from speaking with Bolsonaro, as well as message exchanges between the former president and his allies providing guidance on social media posts.
“In view of the above, Jair Bolsonaro’s defense team is hereby summoned to provide clarification within 48 hours regarding repeated violations of the precautionary measures imposed, the continuation of unlawful conduct, and the existence of a proven risk of fleeing,” the justice ruled.
After receiving the indictment report, Moraes referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office. That body will decide whether Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo will be charged before the Supreme Court.
Source: Agência Brasil