**Argentina Orders Arrest of 61 Brazilians Linked to 2023 Brasilia Riots**

In a significant judicial decision, Argentine courts have mandated the arrest of 61 Brazilian nationals implicated in the violent riots that occurred in Brasilia in January 2023. The riots saw fervent supporters of Brazil’s former far-right President, Jair Bolsonaro, storm the Congress building in an attempt to challenge the new left-wing administration headed by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula.

The January 2023 event led to numerous arrests, charges, and subsequently, some convictions. Despite this, a number of individuals fled to Argentina, particularly as far-right politician Javier Milei, who is known to have affiliations with Bolsonaro, was elected president in December 2023. This political shift raised doubts regarding Argentina’s willingness to cooperate with Brazil's extradition requests.

In June, Brazil formally requested Argentina's assistance in extraditing over 140 individuals who faced prosecution for their roles in the riots. While this request was met with skepticism due to Milei's administration's ties to Bolsonaro and strong criticism of Lula, developments in October indicated a change in stance. Argentina revoked political asylum rights for individuals convicted of crimes in their home countries.

On Friday, an Argentine Federal Court judge issued arrest warrants for those with definitive prison sentences, honoring the Brazilian Supreme Court's request. Local reports confirmed the apprehension of one fugitive in La Plata, approximately 60 kilometers from Buenos Aires, though the whereabouts of many others remain unknown.

The Brazilian government has characterized the January 2023 riots as part of a coup attempt allegedly orchestrated by Bolsonaro following his narrow defeat in the presidential election of October 2022. Bolsonaro, however, denies any involvement, despite his numerous post-election social media posts questioning the integrity of Brazil's electronic voting system and the election outcome.

Adding fuel to the political turmoil, another attack shook Brasilia's Three Powers Plaza recently. A former political candidate, Francisco Wanderley Luiz, carried out a suicide bomb attack outside the Supreme Court. Authorities have identified Luiz, who previously ran unsuccessfully for council elections under Bolsonaro's Liberal Party. The justice minister confirmed that the attack, which resulted in Luiz's death from his own explosives, was politically driven.

The recent arrest warrants mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing judicial saga, reflecting Argentina's newfound resolve to address cross-border political crimes and uphold international judicial cooperation.