Defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has fled Brazil and arrived in the U.S, according to international media reports.
The son of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro disputes the results of Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday, which he lost to incumbent President Lula da Silva (Lula).
After posting to social media earlier in the week that authorities had told him to hand over his passport, Flávio is now believed to have left the country.
Here’s what’s been going on.
2019
Former military officer Jair Bolsonaro is sworn in as President after winning the 2018 election.
2022
Lula wins his third (non-consecutive) presidential election.
He was imprisoned in 2018 for 19 months for corruption.
Bolsonaro does not accept the result, fleeing to the U.S.
2023
Supporters of Bolsonaro break into Brazil’s government buildings in an attempted coup – trying to overthrow Lula’s presidency.
2025
Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a military coup.
His son Flávio disputes his guilt and announces he will run for President.
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Recent election
On Sunday, Lula defeated Flávio, his second consecutive presidential election win and fourth overall.
Lula called the result a “victory of a Brazil that chose hope, unity, and the future.”
Flávio refused to accept the outcome, disputing a Supreme Court decision to extend voting hours after public transport issues.
The decision was made by a judge appointed by Lula, who used to be Lula’s personal lawyer.
Flávio’s party has accepted the result.
Exit to U.S.
In an Instagram post after the election, Flávio said he had been ordered to hand over his passport to authorities after visiting his father Jair.
Brazilian media reports he secretly left the country through Argentina after failing to hand over his passport on Tuesday.
The U.S. State Department confirmed to the BBC that Flávio and his family will be granted visas.
The BBC has since reported that Flávio has met up with his brother Eduardo in the U.S. state of Florida.
Response
Lula commented on Flávio’s reported exit at a celebration for his 81st birthday.
“I regret that he left... the act of leaving Brazil is shameful,” Lula said.
The President added: “When I was asked to surrender my passport, I did so. He should have done the same.”
