Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro finds himself embroiled in legal turmoil as Brazil’s Supreme Court and federal police launch investigations into his two-night stay at the Hungarian Embassy in Brasília. The move comes in response to mounting concerns over potential violations of court orders and raises questions about Bolsonaro’s motives, particularly in light of recent revelations from a New York Times investigation.
The Times report, based on surveillance footage from the embassy, suggests that Bolsonaro sought refuge at the Hungarian Embassy shortly after Brazilian authorities confiscated his passport due to an ongoing criminal investigation. The former president’s stay at the embassy, seemingly in pursuit of political asylum, has sparked controversy and triggered official inquiries into the legality of his actions.
Although Bolsonaro confirmed his stay at the embassy, he refrained from providing a clear explanation, citing concerns from “world leaders” without elaborating further. His lawyer issued a statement asserting that Bolsonaro’s visit was merely for political discussions, dismissing any suggestion of seeking asylum as “fake news.” However, such explanations have failed to satisfy Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Brazilian Supreme Court, who has ordered Bolsonaro to clarify the circumstances surrounding his embassy stay within 48 hours.
The investigation comes amidst a broader legal battle involving Bolsonaro and his former aides. In February, Justice Moraes authorized raids and arrests of Bolsonaro’s associates on allegations of plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 election. Bolsonaro was instructed to surrender his passport and remain in the country during the investigation, raising questions about whether his stay at the embassy violated these orders.
Legal analysts in Brazil have suggested that Bolsonaro’s apparent asylum bid could lead to his arrest if authorities believe he poses a flight risk to evade potential criminal charges. Augusto de Arruda Botelho, a prominent lawyer, described Bolsonaro’s actions as a textbook example warranting pretrial detention, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The scrutiny from the Supreme Court reflects Justice Moraes’ proactive stance against Bolsonaro and his allies, whom he accuses of undermining Brazil’s democracy. However, such actions have drawn criticism from right-wing factions, who view them as judicial overreach.
In response to Bolsonaro’s embassy stay, two leftist members of Brazil’s Congress have called for his pretrial detention, further intensifying the legal pressure on the former president. Bolsonaro faces multiple criminal investigations, including allegations of falsifying Covid-19 vaccination records, for which federal police have recommended charges.
The fallout from Bolsonaro’s embassy stay extends beyond domestic borders, with diplomatic repercussions for Hungary. Brazilian officials summoned Hungary’s ambassador to explain Bolsonaro’s presence at the embassy, prompting Ambassador Miklos Halmai to provide a similar explanation to that of Bolsonaro’s lawyer. However, Brazilian authorities expressed skepticism over hosting a former president under such circumstances, highlighting the unusual nature of Bolsonaro’s visit.
As investigations unfold and legal proceedings continue, Bolsonaro’s embassy stay has cast a spotlight on his actions and raised broader questions about the rule of law in Brazil. The outcome of these inquiries could have significant implications for Bolsonaro’s political future and the integrity of Brazil’s democratic institutions.
