Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) announced new charges on Wednesday against former President Jair Bolsonaro and his son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro. The charges relate to alleged actions undermining democracy and fostering a “coup” mentality.
These indictments are part of an ongoing investigation overseen by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has tasked federal police with examining whether Eduardo Bolsonaro has been encouraging retaliatory measures against officials in Brazil as well as members of the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
The latest charges come ahead of a significant trial scheduled to start on September 2, 2025, where Bolsonaro and other defendants are expected to present final statements.
According to reports, the investigation indicates that both Bolsonaro and his son coordinated with various individuals to impact a trial viewed as a “coup” that seeks to contest the results of the controversial 2022 presidential election.
Police documents allege that Eduardo Bolsonaro and others aimed their efforts at damaging Brazilian democratic institutions, including the STF and the National Congress. Reports suggest they tried to persuade lawmakers to endorse an Amnesty bill while pressuring the judiciary.
Investigators claim to have recovered messages between Jair and Eduardo Bolsonaro. One exchange showed Eduardo suggesting that his father publicly thank then-President Trump, which authorities believe demonstrates his intention to continue unlawful activities in the U.S.
As part of the inquiry, authorities uncovered a draft document on Bolsonaro’s phone indicating he planned to seek political asylum in Argentina in 2024. This draft was saved shortly after a police operation that resulted in the seizure of Bolsonaro’s passport.
The finding suggests that Bolsonaro had preparations in place for a potential escape from Brazil.
An unnamed Argentine government source mentioned that President Javier Milei’s office had not received any formal asylum request as of Thursday.
The police report also asserts that Eduardo Bolsonaro was aware of U.S. sanctions, claiming these were intended to influence Supreme Court officials and hinder possible criminal charges against his father and others involved.
Judge de Moraes has requested a 48-hour period for Bolsonaro’s legal team to explain the asylum documentation, which has sparked controversy given the repeated allegations against the former president. Following the response, the documents will be sent to the Brazilian prosecutor’s office for review.
Judge de Moraes noted that evidence from the federal police indicates Jair Bolsonaro possessed a document meant for exiting the country.
Since being placed under house arrest earlier this month, Bolsonaro is not permitted to comment on the case or use social media and mobile devices, among other restrictions.
In response to the situation, Eduardo Bolsonaro took to social media to deny any intent to meddle in the legal processes back in Brazil, stating his focus is on advocating for individual freedoms and discussing the Amnesty bill in the National Assembly. He also criticized the notion that private communications between him, his father, and associates could be construed as criminal activity.
“If my ‘crime’ is opposing a Brazilian dictatorship, then I admit my guilt,” he stated.
This week, Stf Justice Flávio Dino introduced measures barring Brazilian organizations from complying with foreign judicial orders, effectively preventing them from adhering to U.S. sanctions linked to their ongoing disputes.
De Moraes emphasized that he believes there is a possibility for judicial challenges and potential reversals by courts but has opted to remain patient on the matter, calling it a diplomatic issue.
