MORE than 60 people who were supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro and charged for their alleged involvement in riots that shook the capital of Brasilia last year face extradition after escaping the country.
Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia on January 8, 2023, following his defeat and about a week after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office as the country’s new president.
The riots were described as an “attempted coup” to overthrow the new president and destroy historical monuments and objects.
Hundreds of the former right-wing president’s supporters were arrested, charged, and released on bail.
Many of them reportedly fled to Argentina to request political asylum there especially during the inauguration of right-wing president, Javier Milei, in December 2023.
Meanwhile, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich denied that supporters of former Brazilian president Bolsonaro were seeking asylum in Argentina after participating in the 2023, stating that such claims remain a “propaganda issue.”
At least 50 fugitives were arrested last week in the latest phase of Operation Lesa Pátria, with arrest warrants issued in 19 states, as the hunt for fugitives continues.
Bolsonaro is also being investigated as part of the riots last year and has been banned from public office until 2030.
