Brazil Police: 65 individuals charged with crimes related to Jan. 8 attacks on government flee to Argentina

Brazil’s Federal Police have identified 65 fugitives who fled to Argentina following the January 8, 2023 attacks on Brazil’s government headquarters. These individuals are facing charges related to the attacks and may be seeking asylum from the right-wing government of Javier Milei.

The Federal Police stated that they will request extradition for the fugitives, as none of them passed through migration control to enter Argentina. The names of the individuals have not been released, but efforts are underway to gather the necessary information for extradition requests.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government is concerned about the situation, as President Milei is ideologically aligned with former President Jair Bolsonaro. There are fears that Argentina may grant asylum to the fugitives, adding to the tension between the two countries.

In a recent development, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president, visited Argentina and expressed his views on the situation. He highlighted the need for the law to be applied and suggested that the Brazilian Congress should consider granting amnesty to the accused individuals.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Supreme Court is handling all cases related to the January 8 attacks, with over 1,300 people prosecuted for their involvement. Sentences for crimes such as attempting a coup can reach up to 17 years in prison.

In addition to the fugitives in Argentina, Brazil’s Federal Police re-arrested 49 individuals who violated court orders, such as breaking electronic ankle bracelets or fleeing the country. They are still searching for 159 other defendants who have violated judicial orders.

The situation remains tense as Brazil seeks to bring the fugitives back to face justice, while concerns grow over the potential asylum granted by Argentina. The aftermath of the January 8 attacks continues to unfold, with legal proceedings ongoing and tensions between the two countries escalating.