🔗 Share this article

The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.

The one-time leader was convicted of plotting a military coup in last fall and handed more than a 27-year term in prison, but he was staying under house arrest pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a safety action after recent developments emerged.

This included seeking to disable his ankle monitor and a summons to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Risks

In a paperwork permitting the arrest, Justice Moraes said information from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the former leader's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his getaway".

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

His offspring, Flávio, who serves as a senator, called for a assembly of his supporters near his father's house to take place on Saturday evening.

His son wrote on digital networks on the previous day: Will you battle for your homeland, or observe everything from your phone there on your couch? I call on you to fight with us."

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

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the magistrate's decision was the chance of his transfer to diplomatic missions near the home, considering that the probes revealed a record of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.

The legal document emphasizes that the US embassy in the national capital, the capital city, is located around 13km from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

Bolsonaro's legal woes have generated frustration from fellow populist conservative United States President Trump, leading him to implement a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.

The former president is being kept in a federal law enforcement building in the capital and will experience a custody hearing on the following day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to permit him to serve his whole jail sentence under house arrest, with digital surveillance.

They also petitioned that the former president be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he required frequent medical attention for lung conditions and other health problems.

Details of Guilty Verdict

He was determined responsible of heading a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to his political opponent, Lula.

Supreme Court justices said that he was aware of a plan which involved plans to kill his opponent and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to imprison and murder Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been overseeing his judicial proceedings.

The scheme was stopped because it failed to get the support of the armed forces officials. His successor was sworn in without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, many his backers stormed and vandalised official structures in the national capital, Brasília.

The security forces took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were arrested.

The magistrates found that the demonstrators had been incited by Bolsonaro whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, restore order and reinstate his authority.

At the period, the legal team called the decades-long sentence "absurdly excessive.

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

The ex-leader called the court case a political persecution and said it was aimed at blocking him running in the 2026 national vote.