Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody by federal police in a preemptive move, just days before he was scheduled to commence a substantial 27-year prison term for orchestrating a coup attempt.
The Early Morning Arrest
According to officials, the dramatic arrest unfolded on Saturday 22 November 2025. The operation was conducted at the request of Brazil's Supreme Court, as confirmed in a brief statement from the federal police.
A close aide to the former leader, Andriely Cirino, verified to The Associated Press that the arrest occurred around 6 a.m. on Saturday. The 70-year-old former president was taken from his residence in the upscale, gated community of Jardim Botanico in the capital city, Brasilia. He was subsequently transported to the federal police headquarters.
Background and Impending Sentence
Jair Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil's president from 2019 to 2022, was convicted for his central role in leading a coup attempt. The far-right leader had recently exhausted all appeals against his conviction, paving the way for his incarceration.
Local media reports indicated that Bolsonaro was expected to begin serving his 27-year sentence sometime in the following week. This preemptive arrest ensures he is in custody before the formal commencement of his lengthy prison term, marking a significant moment in the nation's political and judicial history.
