Bolsonaro Under Increased Surveillance Amid Coup Investigation
The Federal District Criminal Police have initiated heightened surveillance around the residence of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, following allegations of his involvement in coup plotting, reports 24brussels.
This police action comes under the directive of Judge Alexandre de Moraes from the Federal Supreme Court (STF), in response to requests from Federal Police Director Andrei Rodrigues and Congressman Lindbergh Farias, as well as the Attorney General’s Office.
Judge De Moraes specified that the operation should be executed with strict confidentiality, minimizing media exposure while ensuring that authorities do not intrude upon the accused’s private residence or disrupt the neighborhood.
The Federal Police are seeking an “urgent and immediate reinforcement” of surveillance at Bolsonaro’s residence and the ongoing monitoring of his electronic anklet. This request indicates that law enforcement has identified a “concrete risk” of Bolsonaro attempting to flee, potentially via the U.S. Embassy in pursuit of political asylum.
With his trial set for September 2 regarding the coup conspiracy, where Bolsonaro is identified as a key figure, De Moraes underscored the urgency of the situation. He also referenced evidence found by the Federal Police indicating Bolsonaro had drafted a request for political asylum in Argentina.
A report by O Globo reveals that Bolsonaro had identified at least three countries as potential escape routes should his legal circumstances deteriorate. Investigators uncovered drafts and notes on his phone, including a letter directed to Argentine President Javier Milei, dated February 2024, wherein Bolsonaro requested asylum, emphasizing shared ideology and geographic convenience for a possible escape.
Furthermore, it appears that Bolsonaro also contemplated relocating to the United States, where his son resides, and referenced an unnamed third country as an alternative refuge.
