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Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities found he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under house arrest.

The former head of state was convicted of plotting a military coup in the ninth month and given more than 27 years in incarceration, but he remained under home detention pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the move to detain the elderly politician was a safety action after recent developments emerged.

This included seeking to disable his ankle monitor and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a chance to flee".

Legal Document Reveals Escape Concerns

In a filing authorising the custody, Justice Moraes said data from the centre monitoring Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his flight.

This, it said, would be made easier by the confusion caused by the protest called by his child.

His offspring, Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a assembly of his backers near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday night.

The senator wrote on social media on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or see it all from your phone there on your couch? I invite you to battle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the restoration of democratic rule in our country."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the judge's determination was the potential of the former president's move to diplomatic missions near the home, considering that the investigations revealed a history of arranging to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.

The legal document underscores that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, the capital city, is situated around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

Worldwide Consequences

Bolsonaro's legal woes have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist American leader President Trump, causing him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.

Bolsonaro is being held in a federal law enforcement building in the capital and will undergo a detention review on the next day.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on the previous day that the former president's lawyers asked the Top Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with digital surveillance.

They also requested that the former president be allowed to depart his residence for healthcare, saying he needed ongoing care for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.

Background on Conviction

The former president was found guilty of heading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, Lula.

Supreme Court justices said that he was aware of a plan which included plans to assassinate the current president and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the High Court judge who has been presiding over his judicial proceedings.

The scheme was thwarted because it couldn't obtain the endorsement of the armed forces officials. The current president was sworn in without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a week later, on January 8th, numerous his followers attacked and damaged government buildings in the capital, Brazil's capital.

The police took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were arrested.

The justices found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, restore order and bring him back to power.

At the period, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".

He was also prohibited from running for public office until the year 2060 - eight years later after the conclusion of his imprisonment.

The one-time head of state called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him competing in the 2026 presidential election.