Son of Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Seeks Asylum in the U.S.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of ex-Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, has stated he will apply for political asylum in the U.S. citing alleged persecution from Brazilian authorities.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a member of Brazil's Congress and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, announced his intention to seek political asylum in the United States on Tuesday, alleging that he is being persecuted for his support of the right-wing movement championed by his father. Having been in the U.S. since late February, Eduardo’s move comes amidst Brazil’s Supreme Court deliberating the prospect of confiscating his passport over allegations that he attempted to meddle in the investigation concerning his father’s alleged involvement in a coup attempt following the 2022 election.

In a social media video, the 40-year-old congressman expressed his desire to remain in America and withdraw from his duties as a federal lawmaker while criticizing Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for allegedly targeting him. Eduardo stated, “If Alexandre de Moraes wants to seize my passport or even arrest me so that I can no longer report his crimes in the United States, then this is precisely where I will stay and work harder than ever.”

Following his announcement, Brazil’s chief prosecutor clarified there are no current moves to seize Eduardo’s passport. He did not detail when he would file for asylum, and the White House had no immediate comment. Eduardo’s declaration comes ahead of a significant ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Court which may determine charges against his father, potentially bringing the former president to trial for purportedly orchestrating schemes to undermine Brazilian democracy post-election.

Allegations against Jair Bolsonaro include intentions to annul election results, dissolve courts, and even plot to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who ultimately won the election. Eduardo Bolsonaro asserts that his father faces the threat of unjust imprisonment by the Supreme Court, which is perceived as hostile by conservative factions in Brazil, and he draws comparisons between his father's situation and that of Donald Trump amidst ongoing legal issues. He declared, “I have no doubt that our enemies’ plan is to incarcerate him... just as would have happened with Donald Trump if he had not been re-elected in 2024.”

This action follows Trump's media company's lawsuit against Justice Moraes, accusing him of censorship targeting right-wing voices on social media platforms.