The nation’s ex-leader had been confined to house arrest in Brasilia, challenging a conviction for alleged coup plotting.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former President, who was previously under house arrest in the capital city of Brasilia, has been taken into police custody, according to confirmation from his legal representative.
Last September, Brazil’s Supreme Court handed Bolsonaro a 27-year prison sentence following his conviction for trying to subvert the outcome of the 2022 presidential election. The 70-year-old has been under home detention since early August, contesting the verdict.
Celso Vilardi, Bolsonaro’s attorney, did not disclose the grounds for his client’s arrest; however, it occurred just ahead of a planned vigil by the former president’s supporters close to his residence.
Reuters reports that Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes mandated Bolsonaro’s apprehension, citing concerns that activists might impede police oversight of his home confinement. The news agency added that the judge also referenced indications of interference with the politician’s ankle monitor the previous evening.
Furthermore, Moraes stated in his directive that the assembly near Bolsonaro’s residence could facilitate his “potential flight,” noting that the ex-president had previously contemplated requesting asylum at the Argentine embassy in Brasilia.
A spokesperson for the federal police informed media outlets that Bolsonaro has already completed the standard intake procedures following his apprehension in the capital.
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