Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has left the country for the United States after missing a court deadline to surrender his passports following his loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro left Brazil for the United States on October 27 after missing a Supreme Court deadline to surrender his passports, according to reports from multiple outlets citing associates and U.S. officials.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered him to hand over his documents by Tuesday morning as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to online gambling. He did not comply, and his Brazilian passports were cancelled. He also holds Italian citizenship.
The Guardian, El País and Reuters reported that associates confirmed he was en route to the US, with some saying the Trump administration had been informed and asylum was expected. Brazilian media including Metrópoles and Folha de S.Paulo carried similar accounts from family associates. No official confirmation from Bolsonaro or the US government has been issued.
Earlier in the day he had posted a video saying he never thought of leaving the country and planned to lead the opposition. PT lawmakers asked the court to order his arrest and place him on an Interpol notice. The departure follows his refusal to concede Sunday's runoff loss to incumbent Lula.
Political analysts noted the move could open a vacuum on the Brazilian right, with Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest and other family members abroad or facing legal issues.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Negative
- Flavio Bolsonaro (Monday video): I never thought about leaving the country.
- Associates (via media): The plane is in flight to the US.
- PT lawmakers: Requested arrest and Interpol notice.