Lula calls Flavio Bolsonaro's flight to US 'shameful'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, calling it "shameful" that Bolsonaro left for the United States immediately after losing the presidential election.

Speaking at his 81st birthday celebration in Brasilia on Tuesday (local time), Lula said, "Someone who sneaks out of their country has something to hide," according to AFP.

Lula said Bolsonaro should have remained in Brazil and answered in court for the allegations surrounding him, rather than leaving for the US.

Bolsonaro departed for the United States after losing the Brazilian presidential election runoff to Lula on Sunday.

Before leaving, Bolsonaro had received an order from Brazil's Supreme Court to surrender his passport within 24 hours in connection with money laundering and other charges — an order Bolsonaro did not comply with.

Brazil's federal police subsequently canceled Bolsonaro's passport.

Bolsonaro is believed to have feared arrest by Brazilian authorities.

According to CNN, Donald Trump allowed Bolsonaro to enter the United States.

Trump administration officials were aware that Bolsonaro had received the passport surrender order and informed Bolsonaro that entry to the US would be permitted, sources said.

The Department of State also said it plans to issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family.

Before departing, Bolsonaro had denied speculation that he was fleeing, saying he had "no intention" of doing so.

Bolsonaro's move to the US mirrors the path taken by his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The elder Bolsonaro also fled to Florida after losing the 2022 presidential election to Lula, remaining there for about three months.

Jair Bolsonaro was later detained on charges of attempting a coup and, in September last year, was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison and is currently under house arrest.