▲ Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who departed for the United States immediately following his defeat in the presidential election, calling it "shameful."
According to AFP, speaking at an event celebrating his 81st birthday in Brasilia on Monday, local time (October 27), President Lula stated, "Anyone who sneaks out of their country has something to hide."
President Lula pointed out that instead of leaving for Brazil, Bolsonaro should have stayed and faced the allegations surrounding him in court.
Earlier, Bolsonaro departed for the United States after losing to President Lula in the presidential runoff election held on October 25.
Prior to his departure, he had been ordered by Brazil's Supreme Court to surrender his passport within 24 hours in connection with money laundering and other charges, but he failed to comply.
Subsequently, the Brazilian Federal Police revoked Bolsonaro's passport.
It was reported that Bolsonaro was concerned about the possibility of being arrested by Brazilian authorities.
According to CNN, Bolsonaro's entry into the United States was permitted by President Donald Trump.
Trump administration officials were reportedly aware that Bolsonaro had been ordered to surrender his passport and communicated to him that entry into the U.S. was possible.
The U.S. State Department also stated that it plans to issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family.
Before leaving the country, Bolsonaro had denied speculations that he intended to flee, stating, "I have no such intention."
Bolsonaro's trip to the U.S. mirrors the past actions of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro also departed for Florida, U.S., and stayed there for about three months after losing the 2022 presidential election to President Lula.
He was subsequently arrested on charges of attempting a coup, sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison last September, and is currently under house arrest.
(Photo: Getty Images, AP, Yonhap News)
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