Flavio Bolsonaro: From presidential shoo-in to sore loser on the run
The senator, who entered politics from an early age, stood out for his tough-on-crime stances and opposition to environmental protections, but also for a career marked by legal cases.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (Oct. 27) labeled Flávio Bolsonaro's departure to the US as "shameful." The former president, who secured re-election last Sunday (Oct. 25), believes his rival is indebted to the justice system. Lula stated, "A citizen who secretly flees his country does so because he must have something to hide."
The Federal Police have removed Flávio Bolsonaro's passports. His aircraft has landed in the US, carrying him and his family. Lula added, "He should have turned in his passport. The Federal Police must have already suspected he would leave Brazil – he is under investigation." During his birthday celebration at Alvorada Palace, Lula cut a cake and delivered a speech.
He reminisced about being arrested in April 2018, when he surrendered his passport and turned himself in to the Federal Police. "I decided to turn myself in to the Federal Police because I wanted to expose my accusers and prove my innocence," he recalled. After spending 580 days in prison, Lula was released on November 8, 2019. He reiterated, "And here I am, being reelected for another term thanks to you.
That's why I tell you, those who have done nothing wrong have nothing to fear." In 2021, Brazil's Supreme Court overturned cases handled by former Judge Sergio Moro, acknowledging his bias in Lula's investigation. Moro, now the governor-elect of the Liberal Party – the party allied with Flávio Bolsonaro, is set to assume office.
Written by urgent.news from Agencia Brasil's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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