🔗 Share this article

The former Brazilian leader has been taken into custody after authorities found he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.

The former head of state was found guilty of orchestrating a armed takeover in the ninth month and sentenced more than a 27-year term in incarceration, but he remained under confinement pending court reviews.

Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after fresh information were revealed.

This encompassed attempting to break his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a chance to flee".

Court Filing Details Flight Fears

In a filing authorising the detention, Justice Moraes said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the former leader's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his flight.

This, it said, would be made easier by the chaos caused by the demonstration called by his son.

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

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on the previous day: Will you battle for your homeland, or see it all from your smartphone there on your sofa? I call on you to battle with us."

He said the vigil would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our nation."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the magistrate's determination was the chance of his move to foreign missions near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a background of arranging to request asylum through a embassy office", a statement said.

The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, the capital city, is positioned around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow conservative nationalist US President Donald Trump, causing him to enact a fifty percent tax on Brazilian product imports.

The former president is being detained in a Federal Police station in Brazil's capital city and will have a custody hearing on Sunday.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on last Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under domestic detention, with tracking devices.

They also asked that he be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he needed ongoing care for lung conditions and other ailments.

Details of Guilty Verdict

He was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the national vote to his ideological adversary, President Lula.

High Court judges said that he had knowledge of a scheme which included plans to kill his opponent and his running partner, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder Alexandre de Moraes - the High Court judge who has been overseeing his judicial proceedings.

The conspiracy was thwarted because it failed to get the backing of the armed forces officials. Lula was sworn in without issue on January 1st, 2023.

But a seven days after, on 8 January, many his followers stormed and vandalised government buildings in the federal district, Brazil's capital.

The security forces stepped in and around approximately 1,500 persons were detained.

The judges found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose plan, they said, was for the national armed forces to take action, reestablish control and bring him back to power.

At the period, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also banned from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him competing in the next presidential race.