Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was detained by police in Brasilia as he continued to appeal against his conviction for plotting a coup. The Supreme Court had previously sentenced him to 27 years in prison for attempting to overturn the 2022 presidential election results. Since early August, Bolsonaro had been under house arrest, facing the consequences of his conviction. The police action came shortly before his supporters planned a vigil near his home, which raised concerns over the safety and integrity of his house arrest.
Judicial authorities cited risks of disruption and potential escape, leading to his temporary detention. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro’s detention, citing the risk of his supporters undermining police monitoring of his house arrest, as well as evidence of tampering with his ankle monitor the night before. Moraes also argued that the planned gathering near Bolsonaro’s home could pave the way for his eventual escape, referencing past considerations of seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy in Brasilia.
A federal police representative confirmed that Bolsonaro had already undergone the custody intake process in the capital. The detention has sparked renewed discussions about the legal and political challenges facing former leaders in Brazil, particularly regarding the balance between justice and political accountability. The case has also drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who maintained close ties with Bolsonaro during his first term, criticizing the government’s actions as a witch hunt and imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods. However, recently, Washington has begun rolling back some of those levies, indicating a potential shift in U.S.-Brazil relations.