The Brazilian government is seeking the extradition of over 60 individuals who fled to Argentina after being charged for their involvement in riots that rocked Brazil’s capital. These riots, led by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, occurred just a week after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assumed office. Thousands of protesters stormed government buildings in Brasília on January 8, 2023, with minimal resistance. Many of Bolsonaro’s supporters were arrested, charged, and released on bail before fleeing to Argentina to seek political asylum following Javier Milei’s presidency.
The Brazilian authorities, led by Federal Police Chief Andrei Passos, are preparing to request the return of these individuals from Argentina. Despite their close ties, it remains uncertain whether President Milei will comply with the request. The government believes the riots were part of a coup attempt orchestrated by Bolsonaro, who contested the election results. President Lula has also implicated collusion within the armed forces. One rioter has already been sentenced to 17 years in prison for their role in the coup attempt.