Flavio Bolsonaro breaks silence on US flight, citing early persecution

Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro broke his silence on Instagram, justifying his flight to the United States by claiming persecution began earlier than expected. He said he fled with his wife secretly, asking that no one be blamed. The 45-year-old, who lost Brazil's presidential election, said his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, told him with tears in his eyes about the passport seizure in a money laundering probe. Bolsonaro claims he acted "for Brazil" and denies electoral fraud despite lacking evidence. His escape route through Argentina and Ecuador remains unclear, with governments in Washington and Buenos Aires facing questions. He traveled on an Italian passport, and the flight was funded from a US bank account. He has vowed to run for president again.