Bolsonaro asylum draft cites Argentina found on phone amid coup trial

Brazilian federal police on Wednesday disclosed that a document found on the mobile phone of former President Jair Bolsonaro suggested he had contemplated seeking political asylum in Argentina as authorities prepared to press ahead with a high-stakes coup trial. The revelations come as Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo face formal accusations of obstructing justice for allegedly trying to influence proceedings tied to the investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow Brazil’s elected government. The Supreme Court is due to hear the case in early September, with a decision expected to shape the political climate in the country ahead of a potential verdict.

Police said the asylum draft, a 33-page document saved on Bolsonaro’s phone in February 2024, was dated a few days after his passport was seized amid the coup-related inquiry. The letter, addressed to Argentina’s President Javier Milei, claimed Bolsonaro was the victim of political persecution in Brazil and sought asylum under an urgent regime. It remained unclear whether the document had ever been sent to Buenos Aires. Milei’s office did not confirm receipt, and Argentine authorities did not immediately respond to requests for...