Former Brazil President Bolsonaro Arrested Over Ankle Monitor Breach Amid Coup Plot Ahead of 27-Year Sentence

Former President Bolsonaro Detained After Ankle Monitor Breach Ahead of Coup Plot Sentence

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was taken into federal custody early Saturday following a dramatic turn in his legal challenges. The arrest was prompted by a Supreme Court justice's assertion that Bolsonaro's ankle monitoring device had been tampered with, raising significant concerns about a potential flight risk. This development unfolds just days before the 70-year-old former leader was expected to begin serving a substantial 27-year sentence for his alleged role in orchestrating a 2022 coup attempt.

Acting on a directive from the Supreme Court, federal police officers apprehended Bolsonaro around 6 AM at his residence in Brasília's upscale Jardim Botânico district. He was subsequently transferred to federal police headquarters. Reports indicate that Bolsonaro had exhausted all available appeals and was scheduled to commence his prison term in the upcoming week.

Ankle Monitor Violation Triggers Precautionary Arrest

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the high-profile post-election coup attempt investigation, issued the order for Bolsonaro's pre-dawn arrest. De Moraes stated that data from the monitoring device indicated a violation occurred at 12:08 AM. This breach, coupled with a planned rally organized by Bolsonaro's son later that day, triggered the preventive detention. A custody report, accompanied by video evidence presented to the court, reportedly shows Bolsonaro admitting to attempting to open the device using a soldering iron, with the cap appearing heavily damaged. His legal team has strongly denied this account, asserting that the timeline presented “did not take place.” This arrest brings an end to several months of house arrest for the former president, who was initially mandated to wear the monitor due to being classified as a potential flight risk.

Facing a 27-Year Sentence for Alleged Coup Attempt

In his official order, Justice de Moraes highlighted that the attempt to breach the ankle monitor only intensified existing concerns that Bolsonaro might try to flee, particularly amidst the potential “confusion” that could arise from the demonstration his son had organized. He also pointed out the strategic proximity of the US embassy in Brasília, located a mere 13 kilometers away—a distance traversable in approximately 15 minutes by car. The judge further underscored his apprehension by referencing previous instances where defendants and political allies connected to Bolsonaro had left Brazil to evade arrest.

Public Reacts as Son Calls for Rally

Outside the federal police headquarters, a diverse crowd of both ardent supporters and vocal critics began to gather. Police maintained a strict separation between the opposing groups. The mobilization of supporters intensified after Bolsonaro's son, Flávio Bolsonaro, released a video urging the public to assemble at 7 PM, provocatively asking if they would “fight for your country” or passively observe the unfolding events. Bolsonaro was originally sentenced in September to 27 years and three months for his involvement in a plot to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming office in 2023, having been identified as a central figure in the scheme. Although convicted, he had not yet received a final arrest warrant due to ongoing appeals. He has also been barred from seeking public office until 2030.