On Monday, Brazil’s Federal Police initiated an investigation into the two-night stay of former President Jair Bolsonaro at the Hungarian embassy in Brasilia last month.

This move comes amid widespread speculation from his political opponents, who suggest that Bolsonaro might have been seeking to evade potential arrest.

A source within the Federal Police, familiar with the investigation, confirmed to The Associated Press that it was prompted by a report from The New York Times.

The report featured security camera footage showing the Hungarian ambassador welcoming Bolsonaro on February 12, along with footage of Bolsonaro during the remainder of his stay.

Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, known as a prominent figure in the global far-right movement, is considered a key international ally of Bolsonaro, the Associated Press reported.

The visit occurred shortly after Federal Police had seized Bolsonaro’s Brazilian and Italian passports and conducted raids on the residences of his top aides.

These actions were part of an investigation into allegations that they conspired to disregard the results of the 2022 elections and orchestrate an uprising to maintain Bolsonaro in power despite his defeat.

Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to this investigation, as well as in numerous other probes targeting him.

Written by B.C. Begley