🔗 Share this article

The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities found he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.

The former head of state was convicted of plotting a government overthrow in last fall and handed more than 27 years in prison, but he continued under home detention pending legal challenges.

High Court Judge the presiding justice said the move to detain the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" were revealed.

This involved trying to remove his ankle monitor and a summons to a demonstration that could "allow for a possible escape.

Court Filing Details Escape Risks

In a filing authorising the detention, Justice Moraes said intelligence from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the tracking monitor to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the demonstration called by his son.

His child, his son Flávio, who serves as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on the weekend.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on last Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or watch it all from your phone there on your couch? I urge you to struggle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could "pray for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our nation."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the magistrate's determination was the chance of Bolsonaro's transfer to embassies near the dwelling, considering that the investigations revealed a background of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.

The legal document emphasizes that the US embassy in the national capital, the capital city, is positioned around 8 miles from his dwelling.

Worldwide Consequences

His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow conservative nationalist United States President President Trump, prompting him to enact a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.

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

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on the previous day that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Top Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with tracking devices.

They also asked that Bolsonaro be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he demanded ongoing care for lung conditions and other illnesses.

Context of Sentencing

He was determined responsible of orchestrating a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the national vote to his left-wing rival, Lula.

High Court judges said that he had knowledge of a plan which encompassed plans to murder his opponent and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been managing the former president's case.

The scheme was prevented because it didn't receive the support of the armed forces officials. His successor was inaugurated without issue on 1 January 2023.

But a week later, on 8 January, many Bolsonaro supporters attacked and damaged government buildings in the capital, the capital city.

The police stepped in and around 1,500 people were taken into custody.

The judges found that the protesters had been provoked by the former president whose strategy, they said, was for the country's army to take action, reestablish control and return him to office.

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

He was also banned from campaigning for office until the year 2060 - eight years later after the end of his sentence.

The one-time head of state called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the 2026 presidential election.