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Brazilian federal police formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of obstruction of justice on Wednesday, just weeks before his Supreme Court coup trial verdict. His lawyers expressed surprise Thursday at the timing of the new charges, which could lead to a separate trial if prosecutors decide to proceed.
The investigation revealed Bolsonaro drafted a 33-page asylum request to Argentine President Javier Milei, claiming political persecution in Brazil. Police found the document on Bolsonaro's phone, dated February 10, 2024, just two days after authorities searched his home and office.
Federal police evidence shows Bolsonaro continued to communicate with allies in recent weeks despite precautionary measures that now force him to be under house arrest. Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave Bolsonaro's lawyers 48 hours on Wednesday to explain why the former president appeared to violate his house arrest conditions.
Legal defence emerges
"There was never noncompliance with any precautionary measure previously imposed," Bolsonaro's lawyers said in a statement. They promised to clarify his recent actions to de Moraes in a timely fashion.
Lawyer Paulo Cunha Bueno told TV GloboNews that Bolsonaro never seriously considered fleeing to Argentina. "Someone sent him that asylum request in February of 2024. He could have gone, but he did not," Cunha said, noting Bolsonaro had every condition to flee before his passport was seized on February 8, 2024.
Manuel Adorni, spokesperson for Milei, said the Argentine government has not received anything yet regarding the asylum request. The asylum document contradicts Bolsonaro's previous denials about seeking refuge abroad.
International pressure campaign
Only BBC reports that Eduardo Bolsonaro spent nearly six months in the US lobbying the Trump administration on his father's behalf. The coordinated family effort included attempts to secure international support ahead of the crucial September verdict.
Morning Star reveals that the 170-page police report provides comprehensive evidence of Bolsonaro's obstruction attempts. The timing of these revelations adds pressure as the former president awaits his coup trial outcome.
September verdict looms
A Supreme Court panel of five justices will announce their coup trial rulings between September 2 and 12. The new obstruction findings will not be part of that decision, but could trigger separate proceedings.
Prosecutors allege Bolsonaro and allies headed a criminal organisation plotting to overturn the 2022 election, including plans to kill President Lula and Justice de Moraes. The former president currently remains under house arrest with his passport seized.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Morning Star", "BBC" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
