Jair Bolsonaro detained after being declared a flight risk

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Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities determined he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.

The former head of state was found guilty of plotting a government overthrow in September and given more than over two decades in jail, but he was staying under home detention pending legal challenges.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice the presiding justice said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a precautionary step after "new facts" were revealed.

This included attempting to break his tracking device and a invitation to a demonstration that could "allow for a possible escape.

Court Filing Details Escape Risks

In a document approving the detention, the judge said data from the facility tracking his home detention suggested the former leader's "intention to break the tracking monitor to secure accomplishment in his flight.

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

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

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on online platforms on Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or see it all from your smartphone there on your couch? I invite you to battle with us."

He said the vigil would be so followers could "pray for his well-being and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the magistrate's decision was the possibility of Bolsonaro's "relocation to foreign missions near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a record of arranging to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.

The court filing emphasizes that the United States embassy in the federal district, the capital city, is located around 8 miles from his dwelling.

Global Responses

Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow populist conservative American leader Trump, causing him to impose a fifty percent tax on goods coming from Brazil.

The former president is being kept in a national police facility in the capital and will have a detention review on the next day.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the High Court to authorize him to fulfill his full incarceration period under home confinement, with electronic monitoring.

They also petitioned that he be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he demanded frequent medical attention for lung conditions and other health problems.

Details of Guilty Verdict

Bolsonaro was found guilty of leading a plot aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the national vote to his political opponent, President Lula.

Supreme Court justices said that he was aware of a plot which involved plans to murder Lula and his VP candidate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the top judicial official who has been presiding over his judicial proceedings.

The conspiracy was thwarted because it failed to get the support of the armed forces officials. The current president was took office without incident on January 1st, 2023.

But a seven days after, on 8 January, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters attacked and damaged official structures in the national capital, Brazil's capital.

The security forces stepped in and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.

The justices found that the demonstrators had been encouraged by Bolsonaro whose strategy, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, bring back stability and return him to office.

At the period, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the 27 years and three months sentence extremely harsh.

He was also prohibited from running for public office until the year 2060 - eight years after the end of his sentence.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him competing in the 2026 national vote.

Daniel Hicks
Daniel Hicks

A UK-based lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience covering modern culture and wellness trends, passionate about sharing practical insights for everyday living.