Brazil's Supreme Court Upholds Bolsonaro's Custody Amid Coup Plot Appeals
Brazil's highest judicial body has affirmed the detention of former President Jair Bolsonaro, extending his police custody following a critical decision made on November 24. A four-judge panel of the Supreme Court endorsed the initial order, which Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued on November 22, primarily citing a significant risk of flight. This ruling effectively concludes over 100 days of house arrest for the former head of state.
Ankle Monitor Tampering Sparks Re-Arrest
The 70-year-old right-wing leader, who is currently awaiting final appeals against a formidable 27-year prison sentence for his alleged role in plotting a coup following his 2022 presidential election defeat to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was re-arrested on November 22. This immediate detention was prompted by authorities discovering he had actively tampered with his electronic ankle monitor.
The tampering incident occurred conspicuously just prior to a scheduled vigil by his ardent supporters outside his São Paulo residence. Justice Moraes pointed out that such a gathering could have significantly complicated police monitoring of his ongoing house arrest.
Bolsonaro's Defense and Judicial Reasoning
During a hearing on November 23, Bolsonaro presented his defense, attributing his actions to what he described as "medicine-induced paranoia and hallucination." He adamantly denied any intention of escaping or deliberately removing the monitoring device. However, his explanation did not sway the majority on the Supreme Court panel.
Justices Flavio Dino and Cristiano Zanin joined Justice Moraes in forming the majority decision. Justice Dino's written vote emphasized, "The admitted breach of electronic monitoring not only increases the risk of escape, but also indicates a blatant violation of the precautionary measures imposed by the judiciary."
The Supreme Court's decision sends a clear message about the judiciary's unwavering commitment to enforcing legal conditions, particularly when it involves high-profile political figures. Bolsonaro's intricate and ongoing legal challenges continue to hold the nation's attention, as Brazil closely monitors the progression of final appeals against his conviction for orchestrating an attempted coup against the democratic process.