Forty-one Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives asked President Joe Biden’s administration on Thursday (2) to cooperate with Brazil’s investigation into the invasion of government buildings in Brasília and revoke any American visa held by former President Jair Bolsonaro.
They sent a letter urging the government to support democracy and the rule of law in Brazil.
“Two years ago, the United States faced a similar attack on our democracy. We know firsthand the immediate and long-term impact when government officials subvert democratic norms, spread disinformation, and foment violent extremism. We applaud your administration’s condemnation of the events in Brasília and believe it is imperative that the United States continue to denounce this attack strongly and publicly and maintain support for democracy and the rule of law in Brazil and throughout the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, we must not allow Mr. Bolsonaro or any other former Brazilian officials to seek refuge in the United States to escape justice for any crimes they may have committed while in office, and we must fully cooperate with any investigation by the Brazilian government into their actions, if requested,” the members wrote.
Bolsonaro traveled to Florida two days before his term ended on January 1, when President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office. As he was still president, he entered the United States with a visa granted to heads of state, which was valid until the end of January. Bolsonaro requested the U.S. government to change his head of state visa to a tourist visa, claiming he wanted to stay in the country a bit longer to rest and think about his next steps.
A similar letter was sent by Senate Majority Leader Richard Durbin, who announced plans to introduce legislation that would make those who undermine a free and fair democratic election or a peaceful and democratic transfer of power abroad ineligible for a U.S. visa. Durbin will introduce the legislation when the Senate is back in session.
Officials from the State Department and the White House have not yet commented on the letter sent by the representatives or the senator.