In a dramatic escalation of Brazil's most divisive criminal case in decades, former president Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into police custody. The arrest follows explosive allegations that the 70-year-old attempted to sabotage his electronic ankle monitor in a bid to flee before commencing his 27-year prison sentence.
Dawn Raid and Allegations
Federal police officers swooped on Bolsonaro's Brasília home at dawn today, acting on an order from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The judge issued the arrest warrant, warning that the former leader was actively preparing an escape plan. Officers subsequently transported Bolsonaro to the federal police headquarters in the capital.
The core allegation centres on an incident at 12:08am, where Bolsonaro, already under house arrest after being deemed a flight risk, was accused of breaking his electronic tag. However, his legal team has vehemently denied this claim, insisting 'that did not take place'. His aide, Andriely Cirino, confirmed the arrest occurred shortly after 6am.
The Rally and Judicial Reasoning
Justice de Moraes stated he acted pre-emptively due to fears Bolsonaro would disappear during a rally being organised by his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, later that evening. In a video, Flávio had urged supporters to gather outside the family home, asking: 'Are you going to fight for your country or are you going to watch it all from your cellphone in your home's sofa?' He went on to invite people to 'fight with us'.
The judge argued that the attempted breach of the ankle monitor proved Bolsonaro intended to escape amid the 'confusion' of the rally, even suggesting a potential dash to the nearby U.S. Embassy, located just a 15-minute drive away. De Moraes also cited messages uncovered in August that linked Bolsonaro to a political asylum request in Argentina.
Legal Background and Fallout
Bolsonaro was convicted in September of attempting to overthrow Brazil's democracy following his 2022 election defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors outlined a coup plan that included the assassination of key figures such as Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Justice de Moraes himself. The former president was also found guilty of leading an armed criminal organisation and attempting the 'violent abolition of the democratic rule of law'. Bolsonaro denies all allegations.
Following his detention, Bolsonaro is reportedly staying in a 12-square-meter room with a single bed, television, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. His allies have rallied to his defence, with his former press adviser calling the arrest 'a terrible stain on the institutions'. Michelle Bolsonaro, the former first lady, vowed on Instagram that his supporters 'will not give up on our nation'.
Just hours after the detention, Justice de Moraes issued a separate decision dismissing a defence request for Bolsonaro to serve his sentence under 'humanitarian house arrest', citing the former president's poor health stemming from a 2018 stabbing. Brazilian law, however, requires all convicts to start their sentences in prison.
