Bolsonaro and Son Face Charges for Obstructing Coup Trial Proceedings
Brazilian police have charged former president Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo with obstruction of justice for attempting to interfere with Bolsonaro's trial over alleged coup plotting. The police found a 33-page draft asylum request on Bolsonaro's phone addressed to Argentina's President Javier Milei, dated shortly after police began investigating in February 2024. Bolsonaro faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of plotting to overthrow his democratically elected successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022. The Supreme Court labeled Bolsonaro a 'proven flight risk' and has ordered his allies, including evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia and Paulo Figueiredo, to face charges as well. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who stepped down as a Brazilian congressman in March and moved to the U.S., is lobbying for Trump to intervene in the case, which has led to a 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian exports. The police recommended charging both Bolsonaro and Eduardo with 'coercion in the judicial process' and 'abolition of democratic law,' potentially resulting in up to 12 years in prison.