The former Brazilian president taken into custody after being declared a risk of fleeing

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

The ex-president was found guilty of orchestrating a armed takeover in last fall and given more than a 27-year term in prison, but he was staying under home detention pending court reviews.

High Court Judge Justice Moraes said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" emerged.

This involved seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a public vigil that could enable a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Risks

In a filing authorising the detention, the judge said data from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the surveillance device to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the chaos caused by the protest called by his son.

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

The senator wrote on digital networks on last Friday: "Are you going to fight for your country, or watch it all from your smartphone there on your couch? I invite you to struggle with us."

He said the vigil would be so supporters could seek divine intervention for his physical condition and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the judge's determination was the chance of Bolsonaro's transfer to diplomatic missions near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of arranging to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.

The judicial paperwork highlights that the United States embassy in the capital, the capital city, is positioned around 13km from his dwelling.

Worldwide Consequences

His judicial problems have provoked anger from fellow conservative nationalist US President Donald Trump, causing him to implement a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods.

Bolsonaro is being kept in a Federal Police station in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a custody hearing on the next day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on Friday that the his legal team asked the Top Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.

They also asked that the former president be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he needed regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.

Context of Sentencing

Bolsonaro was determined responsible of leading a conspiracy aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the presidential race to his political opponent, Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a plan which involved plans to murder his opponent and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder the presiding judge - the Supreme Court justice who has been overseeing his judicial proceedings.

The scheme was stopped because it couldn't obtain the backing of the armed forces officials. Lula was took office without incident on the first day of 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, many his followers attacked and damaged public facilities in the capital, BrasĂ­lia.

The security forces intervened and around fifteen hundred individuals were arrested.

The magistrates found that the protesters had been encouraged by the former president whose scheme, they said, was for the national armed forces to take action, reestablish control and reinstate his authority.

At the period, his attorneys called the 27 years and three months sentence extremely harsh.

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

The ex-leader called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was designed to prevent him running in the next presidential race.

Albert Ramos
Albert Ramos

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