🔗 Share this article

Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities found he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under house arrest.

The former head of state was convicted of plotting a government overthrow in last fall and sentenced more than a 27-year term in jail, but he remained under confinement pending legal challenges.

Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after fresh information came to light.

This included trying to remove his ankle monitor and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could enable a chance to flee".

Court Filing Details Escape Risks

In a paperwork permitting the detention, the magistrate said information from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his escape.

This, it said, would be assisted by the disorder caused by the gathering called by his son.

His child, Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a gathering of his followers near his father's house to take place on the weekend.

His son wrote on social media on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your nation, or watch it all from your mobile device there on your couch? I urge you to fight with us."

He said the demonstration would be so followers could offer prayers for his physical condition and for the restoration of democratic rule in our nation."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the judge's determination was the possibility of Bolsonaro's "relocation to foreign missions near the home, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of planning to seek refuge through a consular facility", a statement said.

The court filing underscores that the US embassy in the capital, Brazil's capital, is situated around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

Worldwide Consequences

The former president's legal troubles have generated frustration from fellow right-wing populist US President President Trump, prompting him to implement a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.

He is being detained in a Federal Police station in the capital and will have a custody hearing on the next day.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on last Friday that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the High Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that he be allowed to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he required frequent medical attention for pulmonary infections and other ailments.

Details of Guilty Verdict

He was convicted of heading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the presidential race to his political opponent, Lula.

Supreme Court justices said that he was aware of a scheme which included plans to kill his opponent and his running partner, Geraldo Alckmin, and to imprison and murder Alexandre de Moraes - the High Court judge who has been overseeing his judicial proceedings.

The plot was stopped because it didn't receive the endorsement of the armed forces officials. The current president was sworn in without issue on the first day of 2023.

But a following week, on January 8th, numerous his followers attacked and damaged government buildings in the national capital, Brasília.

The police took action and around fifteen hundred individuals were taken into custody.

The magistrates found that the protesters had been incited by Bolsonaro whose strategy, they said, was for the national armed forces to take action, reestablish control and return him to office.

At the time, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh.

He was also banned from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years later after the end of his sentence.

The former president called the trial a political persecution and said it was designed to prevent him participating in the 2026 national vote.