The defense of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro informed the Supreme Federal Court that he did not request political asylum from Argentine President Javier Milei. The lawyers also denied that he intends to flee the country.
The statement was presented on Friday (Aug. 22), after Minister Alexandre de Moraes granted, on Wednesday (Aug. 20), 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 U.S. sanctions against Brazil. According to the police, the document had been on the device since 2024.
His defense stated that the document was a “draft” and that the asylum request was never submitted. The lawyers also took the opportunity to request the revocation of Bolsonaro’s house arrest.
Jair Bolsonaro’s defense also reiterated that he has always complied with the precautionary measures ordered by the court – including the prohibition from leaving the country and using any social media account.
“With or without the draft, the former president did not flee. On the contrary, he has observed all decisions issued by the Supreme Federal Court – including the one prohibiting him from traveling abroad –, responded to the complaint filed against him, attended all hearings, and always complied with all orders,” said his lawyers.
Bolsonaro and his son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, were indicted by the Federal Police in the investigation into U.S. sanctions. After receiving the police indictment, Minister Moraes forwarded the case to the Attorney General of the Republic, who will decide whether Bolsonaro and his son will be charged before the Supreme Federal Court. Since the beginning of this month, Bolsonaro has been under house arrest.
SMS Message
Bolsonaro’s defense also addressed 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, argued his lawyers, did not respond to the message, nor did he commit any illegal act.
“The message was merely received. There was no response, reaction, or communication from the former president,” stated the defense.
Trump’s Lawyer
Regarding the former president’s request for guidance from American lawyer Martin Luca, linked to President Donald Trump, on how to comment on the high tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports, the defense said that the messages were exchanged before the precautionary measures were decreed.
“The American lawyer is not being investigated in any case. And there is no prohibition on contact between the applicant and the lawyer,” highlighted the defense.
Financial Transactions
The defense also criticized the disclosure of Bolsonaro’s bank data. According to investigators, the former president moved around R$ 30.5 million in one year.
“The worst is that a money transfer to his wife, from licit sources, was announced […] as proof of money laundering,” stated the lawyers.
Lawfare
Finally, Jair Bolsonaro’s lawyers accused the Federal Police of practicing lawfare. The lawfare theory was disseminated in Brazil by Cristiano Zanin, former lawyer for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and current Supreme Federal Court minister.
“The Federal Police report is shocking. It operates as a political piece, aimed at discrediting a former president – who is still a political leader, whether the police authorities like it or not –, exposing his private life and accusing him of facts as serious as they are unfounded,” added the lawyers.
Source: Agência Brasil