The former Brazilian president arrested after being declared a risk of fleeing

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Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under home confinement.

The one-time leader was sentenced of plotting a military coup in the ninth month and sentenced more than a 27-year term in prison, but he continued under house arrest pending appeals.

High Court Judge the presiding justice said the move to detain the septuagenarian politician was a precautionary step after fresh information were revealed.

This included attempting to break his ankle monitor and a invitation to a public vigil that could enable a possible escape.

Legal Document Reveals Escape Risks

In a filing authorising the custody, the judge said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the ex-president's plan to remove the tracking monitor to secure accomplishment in his getaway".

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

His child, Flávio Bolsonaro, who serves as a senator, called for a assembly of his followers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on the weekend.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on last Friday: Will you battle for your nation, or observe everything from your phone there on your couch? I call on you to fight with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could offer prayers for his well-being and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the magistrate's ruling was the chance of the former president's "relocation to foreign missions near the home, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of planning to ask for protection through a consular facility", a announcement said.

The court filing emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, Brazil's capital, is positioned around 13km from his dwelling.

Global Responses

His judicial problems have drawn the ire of fellow right-wing populist United States President Donald Trump, leading him to enact a 50% tariff on Brazilian product imports.

The former president is being detained in a federal law enforcement building in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on the following day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on last Friday that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Top Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under home confinement, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that Bolsonaro be permitted to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he required regular treatment for lung conditions and other health problems.

Background on Conviction

The former president was convicted of heading a scheme aimed at maintaining his control after he lost the national vote to his left-wing rival, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he had knowledge of a scheme which encompassed plans to assassinate the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder Alexandre de Moraes - the High Court judge who has been managing the former president's case.

The plot was prevented because it couldn't obtain the backing of the army and air force commanders. His successor was inaugurated without problem on the first day of 2023.

But a week later, on 8 January, numerous his backers attacked and damaged public facilities in the capital, Brazil's capital.

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

The justices found that the rioters had been incited by him whose strategy, they said, was for the country's army to step in, bring back stability and reinstate his authority.

At the period, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the decades-long sentence extremely harsh.

He was also banned from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.

The former president called the court case a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 presidential election.

Alexandra Anderson
Alexandra Anderson

A seasoned digital strategist with over a decade of experience in SEO and content marketing, passionate about helping brands thrive online.

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