The former Brazilian president taken into custody after being considered a escape threat
The former Brazilian leader has been arrested after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.
The former head of state was found guilty of plotting a armed takeover in last fall and given more than 27 years in prison, but he remained under home detention pending appeals.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the decision to arrest the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" emerged.
This encompassed trying to remove his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a chance to flee".
Judicial Records Show Escape Risks
In a filing authorising the arrest, Justice Moraes said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his flight.
This, it said, would be "facilitated by the disorder caused by the demonstration called by his son.
His son, 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 evening.
His son wrote on social media on last Friday: "Are you going to fight for your nation, or watch it all from your mobile device there on your couch? I invite you to battle with us."
He said the vigil would be so followers could offer prayers for his health and for the return of democracy in our nation."
Embassy Asylum Concerns
Part of Justice Moraes's decision was the possibility of his move to diplomatic missions near the home, considering that the investigations revealed a history of arranging to ask for protection through a diplomatic representation", a declaration said.
The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the national capital, the capital city, is located around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.
International Reactions
His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow populist conservative US President President Trump, prompting him to implement a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.
He is being kept in a Federal Police station in the capital and will undergo a custody hearing on Sunday.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the High Court to allow him to complete his entire prison term under home confinement, with tracking devices.
They also asked that he be allowed to depart his residence for healthcare, saying he demanded ongoing care for lung conditions and other health problems.
Background on Conviction
Bolsonaro was convicted of leading a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the national vote to his political opponent, Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he had knowledge of a plan which involved plans to murder the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder the presiding judge - the Supreme Court justice who has been presiding over the former president's case.
The scheme was thwarted because it couldn't obtain the support of the military leaders. Lula was sworn in without incident on 1 January 2023.
But a week later, on 8 January, thousands of his followers attacked and damaged public facilities in the federal district, the capital city.
The police intervened and around 1,500 people were detained.
The magistrates found that the demonstrators had been encouraged by the former president whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, bring back stability and return him to office.
At the period, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".
He was also banned from seeking elected position until 2060 - eight years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.
The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was designed to prevent him running in the 2026 presidential election.