Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized Senator Flávio Bolsonaro for leaving the country immediately after losing the presidential election.
On October 27, during his 81st birthday celebration in Brasília, Lula stated, "Someone who sneaks out of their country has something to hide." He emphasized that Bolsonaro should have remained in Brazil to address the allegations against him in court.
Bolsonaro chose to fly to the United States shortly after losing to Lula in the presidential runoff held on October 25. Before his departure, he received a federal court order to submit his passport within 24 hours due to money laundering allegations, which he ignored. Consequently, Brazilian federal police invalidated his passport.
Reports indicate that Bolsonaro's decision to leave was influenced by the possibility of arrest by Brazilian authorities. According to CNN, his entry into the U.S. was approved under President Donald Trump.
Officials from the Trump administration were aware of the court's order for Bolsonaro to submit his passport and reportedly communicated that he could enter the U.S. The U.S. State Department also indicated plans to issue visas for Bolsonaro and his family.
Prior to his departure, Bolsonaro denied any intention to flee the country, stating, "I have no such plans."
Bolsonaro's move to the U.S. has drawn comparisons to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who also fled to Florida for about three months after losing the 2022 election to Lula. Upon returning to Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro was arrested and sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for conspiracy to commit a coup, and he is currently under house arrest.
Bolsonaro's departure to the U.S. is raising concerns about potential diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Brazil. Previously, President Trump suggested that the recent Brazilian election appeared "rigged," fueling allegations of electoral fraud.
As Bolsonaro seeks refuge in the U.S. under Trump's protection, speculation grows about the implications for his legal situation and the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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