Flavio Bolsonaro Flees Brazil for Ecuador After Election Loss

Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, is on his way to Ecuador after leaving Brazil. His departure follows his loss in the recent presidential election to current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

According to Argentina’s government, Flavio Bolsonaro entered Argentina legally on Tuesday night and then took a private flight to Ecuador. He traveled with his wife and two daughters, despite a court order that barred him from leaving Brazil.

The flight took off from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, just after midnight on Wednesday. Reports indicate that Flavio Bolsonaro had valid travel documents at the time of his departure.

Brazil’s Supreme Court had previously ordered him to surrender his passports due to ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering. However, he holds Italian citizenship, which may have allowed him to travel.

His political allies expressed shock at his sudden exit, stating they were unaware of his plans. Flavio Bolsonaro had claimed he did not intend to leave Brazil, describing the exit ban as a scare tactic.

President Lula criticized the move, calling it “shameful” and suggesting that it indicated Flavio Bolsonaro had something to hide. Following his election loss, Flavio Bolsonaro has also expressed intentions to contest the election results.