Flávio Bolsonaro denies fleeing Brazil after landing in Miami

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who arrived in Miami after losing the presidential election on Sunday, has rejected claims that he fled his country. He said he did not escape Brazil but left in the interest of Brazil, in his first public comments since departing.

The United States issued visas to him and his family after Brazilian authorities cancelled his passports as part of a criminal investigation. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing. US President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that the US had allowed him entry into the country.

Newly re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticised the secrecy surrounding Bolsonaro's departure, remarking that those with nothing to hide have nothing to fear.

Footage showed Bolsonaro being shielded from media by umbrellas upon arrival at a Florida airport. His arrival ended several days of uncertainty over his location, after earlier reports suggested he had travelled to Argentina, followed by premature claims that he had already entered the US on Tuesday.

In his statement, Bolsonaro expressed gratitude to the presidents of both Argentina and the United States, as well as to the American public, whom he said shared the same values as the people of his own country.