Argentina Grants Asylum to Brazilian Rioter

Argentina's refugee commission, Conare, granted asylum this week to Joel Borges Correa, 47, a Brazilian national convicted for his involvement in the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília. This decision, which cites political persecution by the Brazilian state, could influence Brazil's upcoming presidential election in October.

Borges Correa was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison for vandalism and insurrection after participating in the ransacking of government buildings following former President Jair Bolsonaro's electoral defeat. He was among dozens of rioters who fled to Argentina after Javier Milei assumed the presidency in December 2023. Brazil had requested the extradition of 61 citizens, leading to five arrests and an extradition order in December.

Conare's ruling concluded that Borges Correa faced discrimination due to his political opinions, inferred from his participation in the January 8 mobilization. This decision may set a precedent for other Brazilian fugitives seeking asylum in Argentina and has been celebrated by figures such as Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president. Brazilian government sources and political analysts suggest the move could complicate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's re-election campaign by providing a new point of contention for the opposition.