Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.
The ex-president was found guilty of plotting a armed takeover in last fall and handed more than a 27-year term in incarceration, but he continued under confinement pending court reviews.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after "new facts" were revealed.
This encompassed attempting to break his ankle monitor and a summons to a public vigil that could enable a chance to flee".
Judicial Records Show Flight Fears
In a paperwork permitting the arrest, Justice Moraes said data from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the ex-president's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his flight.
This, it said, would be assisted by the confusion caused by the protest called by his son.
His child, Flávio, who works as a senator, called for a assembly of his supporters near Bolsonaro's home to take place on the weekend.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on last Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or observe everything from your phone there on your settee? I urge you to fight with us."
He said the gathering would be so followers could seek divine intervention for his health and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."
Embassy Asylum Concerns
Part of the judge's determination was the potential of his "relocation to embassies near the home, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of organizing to seek refuge through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.
The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, the capital city, is situated around 8 miles from his dwelling.
Global Responses
Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist United States President President Trump, prompting him to enact a half-rate duty on goods coming from Brazil.
The former president is being detained in a Federal Police station in Brasilia and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on the next day.
Latest Court Petitions
It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to allow him to complete his entire prison term under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.
They also asked that he be allowed to leave his home for medical treatment, saying he demanded frequent medical attention for pulmonary infections and other health problems.
Context of Sentencing
He was convicted of orchestrating a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the presidential race to his ideological adversary, President Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a plot which involved plans to kill his opponent and his running partner, Alckmin, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the High Court judge who has been presiding over the former president's case.
The plot was thwarted because it didn't receive the endorsement of the military leaders. The current president was took office without problem on 1 January 2023.
But a seven days after, on 8 January, thousands of his backers attacked and damaged official structures in the national capital, Brazil's capital.
The police took action and around 1,500 people were detained.
The judges found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose scheme, they said, was for the national armed forces to take action, restore order and reinstate his authority.
At the time, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh.
He was also prohibited from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.
The ex-leader called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the 2026 national vote.
