Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave Jair Bolsonaro’s defense 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 Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, in the investigation into U.S. tariffs against Brazil — detailed several attempts to circumvent precautionary measures. These measures prohibited 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 — without signature or date — had been saved on the device since 2024.
Additionally, the minister cited contact made by General Braga Netto after being prohibited from communicating with Bolsonaro, as well as message exchanges between the former president and his allies with instructions on social media posts.
“In light of the above, Jair Bolsonaro’s defense is ordered to provide clarifications within 48 hours regarding the repeated violations of the imposed precautionary measures, the continuation of illicit conduct, and the proven risk of flight,” the minister ruled.
After receiving the indictment report, Moraes forwarded the case to the Attorney General’s Office. That body will decide whether Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo will be indicted before the Supreme Federal Court.
Source: Agência Brasil