STF orders extradition of 63 Brazilians on the run in Argentina after coup acts

Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), ordered the extradition of 63 Brazilians investigated for involvement in the coup acts of January 8, 2023. The suspects are at large in Argentina and were the target of a request from the Federal Police (PF ), which conducts the investigations. The minister’s decision was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for analysis and legal extradition procedures.

The process will be evaluated by the Department of Asset Recovery and International Legal Cooperation, a body linked to the Ministry of Justice. The department must verify whether the case meets the requirements established in international legal cooperation treaties. If the conditions are met, the request will be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responsible for negotiating directly with the Argentine government.

Investigations indicate that Brazilians fled the country shortly after the acts of vandalism and attempts to subvert the rule of law in Brasília, crossing the border irregularly. According to the PF, many used clandestine routes, such as crossing on foot, through water or even hidden in the trunks of vehicles.

In addition to Argentina, the Federal Police are working on the hypothesis that up to 180 suspects from the January acts may be hiding in neighboring countries, such as Uruguay and Paraguay. Security authorities monitor movements in these regions and do not rule out that some of the fugitives may have requested asylum in neighboring countries.