🔗 Share this article Bolsonaro arrested after being declared a escape threat Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under home confinement. The former head of state was convicted of orchestrating a government overthrow in last fall and sentenced more than a 27-year term in jail, but he continued under confinement pending appeals. Top Judicial Official the presiding justice said the decision to arrest the elderly politician was a precautionary step after recent developments came to light. This included trying to remove his tracking device and a summons to a public vigil that could "allow for a potential flight. Court Filing Details Escape Risks In a document approving the detention, the magistrate said data from the centre monitoring Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the ex-president's aim to disable the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his escape. This, it said, would be assisted by the chaos caused by the protest called by his offspring. His offspring, Flávio, who works as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his backers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on Saturday night. The senator wrote on social media on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your homeland, or observe everything from your phone there on your sofa? I urge you to fight with us." He said the demonstration would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his health and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our country." Diplomatic Refuge Fears Part of Justice Moraes's determination was the possibility of his "relocation to foreign missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a record of organizing to request asylum through a consular facility", a statement said. The judicial paperwork underscores that the US embassy in the national capital, Brazil's capital, is located around 13km from his dwelling. Worldwide Consequences Bolsonaro's legal woes have generated frustration from fellow populist conservative American leader President Trump, prompting him to impose a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods. He is being detained in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a detention review on the following day. Recent Judicial Appeals It was only on Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fulfill his full incarceration period under house arrest, with tracking devices. They also asked that Bolsonaro be permitted to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he required frequent medical attention for respiratory ailments and other ailments. Background on Conviction Bolsonaro was determined responsible of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the national vote to his political opponent, President Lula. High Court judges said that he had knowledge of a plot which included plans to murder the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Alexandre de Moraes - the top judicial official who has been overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. The plot was stopped because it couldn't obtain the endorsement of the armed forces officials. Lula was took office without issue on the first day of 2023. But a seven days after, on January 8th, numerous his backers attacked and damaged official structures in the capital, the capital city. The police intervened and around 1,500 people were taken into custody. The magistrates found that the protesters had been provoked by the former president whose scheme, they said, was for the country's army to step in, restore order and return him to office. At the time, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh. He was also prohibited from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years after the end of his sentence. The former president called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the next presidential race.