How Brazil Can Prevent an Authoritarian Resurgence
Foreign AffairsDec 27, 2022
Brazil Seeks Extradition of Alleged Rioters From Argentina
Above: Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes speaks during a session in Brasília on June 18, 2024. Image copyright: Evaristo Sa/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Brazil's Supreme Court said on Wednesday that Justice Alexandre de Moraes sent instructions for the federal government to request Argentina for the extradition of 63 Brazilians who were convicted in connection with the Jan. 8, 2023, riots in Brasília.
This comes in response to a request from the Federal Police and follows a letter asking for confirmation that 143 "fugitives" were located in Argentina amid a surge in Brazilian citizens applying for refuge in Argentina after Pres. Javier Milei took office.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
It's no coincidence that fugitive rioters who stormed government buildings in Brasília have sought haven in Javier Milei's Argentina, given that the transnational far-right was behind this failed coup attempt in Brazil. If the rule of law and friendly diplomatic relations are to prevail, Buenos Aires should grant these possible extradition requests.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Jan. 8 storming of government buildings in Brasília was relatively peaceful despite some property damage to furniture and artwork — and protesters never intended to stage a military coup. Mainstream media has promoted a conspiracy that doesn't exist while ignoring that Brazilians are fully capable of protesting and distrusting institutions on their own.