🔗 Share this article

Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.

The former head of state was found guilty of planning a government overthrow in last fall and handed more than over two decades in prison, but he was staying under confinement pending appeals.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" were revealed.

This included attempting to break his electronic bracelet and a summons to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a chance to flee".

Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears

In a filing authorising the arrest, the judge said data from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the former leader's plan to remove the tracking monitor to guarantee victory in his getaway".

This, it said, would be made easier by the confusion caused by the protest called by his son.

His child, Flávio, who holds office as a senator, called for a gathering of his followers near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday night.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on online platforms on last Friday: Will you battle for your country, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your couch? I call on you to battle with us."

He said the gathering would be so followers could "pray for his physical condition and for the return of democracy in our country."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the judge's determination was the chance of his transfer to foreign missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a background of arranging to seek refuge through a consular facility", a statement said.

The judicial paperwork underscores that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, Brasilia, is positioned around 8 miles from his dwelling.

International Reactions

The former president's legal troubles have drawn the ire of fellow right-wing populist US President Trump, leading him to enact a fifty percent tax on goods coming from Brazil.

Bolsonaro is being detained in a Federal Police station in the capital and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on Sunday.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the former president's lawyers asked the Top Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with digital surveillance.

They also petitioned that he be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he needed ongoing care for lung conditions and other ailments.

Context of Sentencing

The former president was found guilty of leading a scheme aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the national vote to his left-wing rival, Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he knew of a plan which involved plans to assassinate his opponent and his running partner, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Alexandre de Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been presiding over the former president's case.

The conspiracy was stopped because it couldn't obtain the support of the armed forces officials. The current president was took office without problem on January 1st, 2023.

But a following week, on 8 January, numerous Bolsonaro supporters stormed and vandalised government buildings in the federal district, Brasília.

The security forces stepped in and around 1,500 people were detained.

The magistrates found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, reestablish control and bring him back to power.

At the time, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also banned from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the 2026 national vote.