Brazil’s Federal Police have requested the extradition of dozens of individuals accused of storming government offices in an alleged attempt to restore former President Jair Bolsonaro to power. The request, sent to the Supreme Court, targets 63 people, most believed to be in neighboring Argentina. Bolsonaro and his allies deny wrongdoing, claiming they are victims of political persecution akin to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The investigation into the January 8 rampage in Brasilia is overseen by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has prohibited suspects from leaving the country.
In June, the Federal Police conducted an operation to capture fugitives involved in the riots. Over 200 defendants failed to comply with judicial measures or fled to other countries. Dozens of fugitives have been arrested in various states, facing charges such as attempting a coup, incitement to crime, and destruction of property. The Supreme Court has requested confirmation from Argentina’s foreign ministry regarding the presence of 143 fugitives from Brazilian justice within its territory. Some suspects broke electronic ankle bracelets and fled to Argentina and Uruguay via the southern borders.
The extradition process for the accused individuals involves the Justice Ministry analyzing requests that would be forwarded to the Foreign Relations Ministry. This documentation would then be sent to Brazil’s embassy in Buenos Aires for communication to the Argentine government. The Justice Ministry declined to comment on specific extradition requests, but confirmed the standard procedure. The Supreme Court and Foreign Relations Ministry also refrained from providing further information on the matter. Brazil’s efforts to bring justice to the perpetrators of the uprising have involved multiple phases and hundreds of arrests targeting individuals involved in the violence.
Brazilian police have searched the homes and offices of Bolsonaro’s top aides and one of his sons, Carlos, as part of the investigation. The former leader’s passport was also seized in connection to the case. The ongoing probe is part of a larger effort to hold those responsible for the storming of government buildings and incitement or financing of the episode accountable. The investigation has revealed a complex web of individuals involved in the riots, with many accused individuals now facing legal consequences for their actions. The extradition requests highlight Brazil’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those involved in the unrest.
