The Vexing Rise of the Transnational Right
Foreign AffairsDec 31, 2022
Brazil to Request Argentina to Extradite Alleged Rioters
Above: The Plenary to the Brazilian Senate is seen at the Brazilian National Congress following a riot the previous day led by radical supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro on January 9, 2023 in Brasilia, Brazil. Image copyright: Andressa Anholete/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Brazil said it would request the extradition of alleged Jan. 8, 2023, rioters who fled to Argentina to seek political asylum after they were charged and released on bail.
According to the Brazilian Federal Police, at least 65 defendants are currently in Argentina. None of the accused passed through migration control to gain entry to the country.
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.