Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under home confinement.
The ex-president was found guilty of orchestrating a government overthrow in the ninth month and sentenced more than 27 years in jail, but he was staying under confinement pending court reviews.
Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after fresh information came to light.
This included seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a summons to a demonstration that could facilitate a chance to flee".
Judicial Records Show Escape Concerns
In a filing authorising the custody, the magistrate said intelligence from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his getaway".
This, it said, would be assisted by the disorder caused by the demonstration called by his child.
His son, Flávio, who holds office as a congressional representative, called for a meeting of his backers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on Saturday evening.
His son wrote on social media on the previous day: Will you battle for your homeland, or watch it all from your phone there on your settee? I urge you to fight with us."
He said the vigil would be so followers could "pray for his well-being and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."
Foreign Shelter Risks
Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of Bolsonaro's "relocation to embassies near the residence, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of organizing to ask for protection through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.
The court filing emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the national capital, the capital city, is positioned around approximately 13 kilometers from his dwelling.
Worldwide Consequences
His judicial problems have provoked anger from fellow populist conservative American leader Trump, causing him to implement a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods.
The former president is being detained in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a detention review on Sunday.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on the previous day that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with digital surveillance.
They also asked that the former president be authorized to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he required frequent medical attention for respiratory ailments and other illnesses.
Background on Conviction
The former president was found guilty of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the 2022 election to his political opponent, President Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he knew of a scheme which included plans to murder Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been managing his judicial proceedings.
The conspiracy was stopped because it failed to get the backing of the army and air force commanders. His successor was sworn in without problem on January 1st, 2023.
But a week later, on January 8th, numerous Bolsonaro supporters stormed and vandalised public facilities in the federal district, Brazil's capital.
The security forces took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.
The judges found that the demonstrators had been incited by the former president whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to step in, bring back stability and reinstate his authority.
At the time, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".
He was also banned from campaigning for office until the year 2060 - a decade minus two years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.
The former president called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the 2026 national vote.
