Jair Bolsonaro arrested after being considered a flight risk

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Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after authorities determined he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under domestic detention.

The one-time leader was convicted of plotting a military coup in September and sentenced more than a 27-year term in jail, but he was staying under confinement pending appeals.

High Court Judge the presiding justice said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a safety action after recent developments were revealed.

This encompassed attempting to break his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a demonstration that could facilitate a potential flight.

Judicial Records Show Escape Risks

In a document approving the custody, Justice Moraes said information from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the former leader's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the protest called by his offspring.

His child, his son Flávio, who works as a senator, called for a meeting of his backers near his father's house to take place on Saturday evening.

His son wrote on social media on Friday: Will you battle for your homeland, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your settee? I call on you to struggle with us."

He said the vigil would be so backers could offer prayers for his physical condition and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our country."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the judge's determination was the possibility of the former president's move to embassies near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a background of planning to seek refuge through a consular facility", a announcement said.

The judicial paperwork underscores that the United States embassy in the federal district, the capital city, is situated around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

Global Responses

The former president's legal troubles have provoked anger from fellow populist conservative US President Trump, prompting him to enact a half-rate duty on Brazilian product imports.

Bolsonaro is being detained in a federal law enforcement building in Brasilia and will experience a detention review on the following day.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on Friday that the his legal team asked the High Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under home confinement, with digital surveillance.

They also petitioned that he be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he needed frequent medical attention for respiratory ailments and other health problems.

Context of Sentencing

The former president was determined responsible of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at maintaining his control after he failed to win the national vote to his ideological adversary, Lula.

High Court judges said that he was aware of a plan which encompassed plans to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been managing Bolsonaro's trial.

The scheme was thwarted because it failed to get the endorsement of the military leaders. His successor was sworn in without problem on 1 January 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, many his backers attacked and damaged public facilities in the federal district, Brasília.

The law enforcement took action and around 1,500 people were taken into custody.

The magistrates found that the demonstrators had been incited by him whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, bring back stability and return him to office.

At the time, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

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

The former president called the legal proceedings a targeted investigation" and said it was designed to prevent him participating in the 2026 national vote.

Yvonne Burns
Yvonne Burns

A passionate traveler and writer who documents unique cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations to inspire wanderlust.