Argentina orders arrest of 61 Brazilians linked to 2023 Brasilia riots
So far, two individuals have been detained, both facing potential prison sentences in Brazil, according to judicial sources in Argentina.
Argentine news sources reported on Saturday that authorities have ordered the arrest of 61 Brazilian citizens accused of participating in the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings in Brasilia by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, according to Reuters.
The arrests come following an extradition request issued by Brazil last month, as the individuals face charges of vandalism and insurrection.
So far, two individuals have been detained, both facing potential prison sentences in Brazil, according to judicial sources in Argentina.
Federal police in Brazil previously estimated that between 50 and 100 Bolsonaro supporters had crossed into Argentina to evade prosecution, many of whom already have heavy convictions from Brazil's Supreme Court, Agencia Brasil reports.
#Urgente Argentina: manifestantes presos, acusados de terrorismo e golpe de Estado.
— O Cafezinho ☕️🗞 (@ocafezinho) June 18, 2024
Os argentinos voltam hoje (18/06) às ruas para exigir a libertação das pessoas presas durante a votação da Lei de Bases na semana passada. Sob forte repressão e violência contra o povo que saiu… pic.twitter.com/BLK2MOQ3Lc
The 2023 riots, which saw thousands of Bolsonaro supporters invade Brazil's Congress, presidential palace, and Supreme Court, occurred just a week after the inauguration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Brazilian security forces arrested 1,500 people as President Lula condemned "acts of terrorism" after far-right supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro broke into the country's government buildings.
Bolsonaro, on his part, has alleged that he is the victim of a conspiracy against him by Brazil's courts and electoral authorities.
Brasilia riots echoes Capitol riots
The attack, reminiscent of the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riots, led to widespread condemnation and the arrest of over 3,000 individuals in Brazil, about half of whom remain in custody.
Some of the rioters sought refuge in Argentina, expecting leniency under the administration of right-wing President Javier Milei.
However, Argentinian authorities have cooperated with Brazil's request, signaling their commitment to addressing the cross-border implications of political violence.
Read more: Brasilia rioters likely had inside help: Lula
The riots and subsequent arrests have reignited political tensions in Brazil. Last week, an attempted bomb attack on the Brazil Supreme Court served as a stark reminder of the unrest, hardening opposition in Congress to a proposed amnesty for participants in the 2023 attacks.
Former Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Mourão defended the rioters' decision to flee, alleging they would not receive a fair trial in Brazil.