The former Brazilian president taken into custody after being considered a risk of fleeing
Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.
The former head of state was convicted of orchestrating a armed takeover in the ninth month and handed more than 27 years in prison, but he remained under confinement pending appeals.
High Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" came to light.
This included attempting to break his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a chance to flee".
Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears
In a filing authorising the arrest, the magistrate said information from the facility tracking the former president's confinement suggested the ex-president's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his flight.
This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the gathering called by his offspring.
His offspring, Flávio, who works as a senator, called for a gathering of his followers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on Saturday night.
The senator wrote on digital networks on Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your nation, or see it all from your phone there on your settee? I invite you to struggle with us."
He said the gathering would be so backers could "pray for his physical condition and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."
Foreign Shelter Risks
Part of the magistrate's decision was the possibility of his move to embassies near the home, considering that the inquiries revealed a background of arranging to seek refuge through a consular facility", a announcement said.
The judicial paperwork emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, Brazil's capital, is located around approximately 13 kilometers from his dwelling.
International Reactions
Bolsonaro's legal woes have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist United States President Trump, prompting him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.
The former president is being detained in a federal law enforcement building in the capital and will experience a detention review on the next day.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on the previous day that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Supreme Court to allow him to complete his entire prison term under home confinement, with electronic monitoring.
They also petitioned that Bolsonaro be permitted to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he needed frequent medical attention for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.
Context of Sentencing
Bolsonaro was found guilty of heading a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power after he was defeated in the presidential race to his political opponent, President Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he knew of a scheme which included plans to assassinate his opponent and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the High Court judge who has been presiding over his judicial proceedings.
The scheme was stopped because it didn't receive the backing of the armed forces officials. Lula was sworn in without issue on January 1st, 2023.
But a week later, on 8 January, many his followers invaded and destroyed government buildings in the national capital, the capital city.
The police took action and around 1,500 people were arrested.
The judges found that the protesters had been encouraged by him whose strategy, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, reestablish control and bring him back to power.
At the period, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".
He was also barred from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.
The ex-leader called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was intended to stop him competing in the 2026 national vote.