Bolsonaro is applying for a six-month visa to stay in the United States, amid an investigation by the former Brazilian president over his involvement in the riots earlier this month.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has applied for a six-month visa to stay in the United States, AG Immigration Group, a California-based law firm that specializes in providing services to Brazilians, said January 30. “We aim to help our customers achieve the results they expect, with the highest satisfaction.”
When asked about Bolsonaro’s application, the US State Department said the visa records are considered classified documents under US law. “Therefore, we are not able to communicate on a case-by-case basis,” a State Department spokesman said.
Several Democrats have publicly called on the Joe Biden administration to deport Bolsonaro back home.
“The United States must not grant asylum to Mr Bolsonaro or any official who incites violence against democratic institutions,” said the group of lawmakers, which included Gregory Meeks, the highest-ranking Democrat on the committee. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a letter to the Biden administration.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro outside a resort in the city of Kissimmee, Florida, USA, January 22. Photo: AFP
Mr. Bolsonaro left Brazil for Florida, USA, on December 30, two days before the end of his term. The former president could face some legal risk if he stays in Brazil when the presidential immunity ends. Mr Bolsonaro is said to have entered on a visa for heads of state, which is due to expire on January 31, and has barely appeared in public.
Protesters supporting him on January 8 marched in Brasilia and stormed the Brazilian parliament building, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace to riot, destroy, and protest the results of the October presidential election. 2022. Security forces took control of three buildings on the evening of the same day and arrested about 1,500 people.
Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to investigate former President Bolsonaro for inciting protesters, leading to riots. Anderson Torres, the justice minister under Bolsonaro, who was also in the US during the riots, was arrested on his return to Brazil.
Former President Bolsonaro previously told CNN Brazil that he plans to return home at the end of January and consider departing earlier than scheduled for medical reasons. He was hospitalized in the US on January 9 due to abdominal discomfort, related to an injury sustained while campaigning in 2018, and has been discharged.
Like Tam (Theo AFP)