Bolsonaro says he fled Brazil to escape 'persecution'

Brazilian right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, who left the country after his defeat, justified his departure Friday as fleeing "persecution," claiming it began earlier than he expected. Bolsonaro said police informed him Monday, after visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, that his passports were being seized in a money laundering investigation. He fled Brazil to the United States via Argentina and Ecuador, saying he decided with his wife "without anyone knowing." Bolsonaro, who has not conceded defeat to leftist President Lula and alleged electoral fraud without evidence, compared irregularities to "hand goals" not overturned by VAR. He predicted Brazil's economy would "go bankrupt" under Lula and signaled willingness to run for president again before 2030.