Flavio Bolsonaro Claims Brazil Presidency

Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate, claims he is the legitimate head of state. He made this statement after arriving in the US for a self-imposed exile.

Bolsonaro alleges election fraud and says the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is part of a criminal organisation. He claims he will lead the opposition from the US.

Bolsonaro, 45, flew to the US on a private aircraft with his wife and daughters. He faces corruption and money laundering inquiries in Brazil and had been ordered to surrender his passports.

The US Department of Homeland Security says the Bolsonaro family underwent inspection and received clearance in accordance with immigration laws. Lula, who won the election with 51.8% of the vote, calls Bolsonaro's exit 'shameful'.

Brazilian law enforcement says Bolsonaro is not formally classified as a fugitive.