In a dramatic turn of events, Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has managed to end his house arrest by deliberately damaging his ankle monitoring device. The incident occurred shortly before he was set to begin serving a 27-year sentence. Bolson, a known conservative figure and former president, has been under house arrest following his conviction for criminal negligence that resulted in the deaths of several people during the 2019 anti-government protests. His defense team had argued that the ankle monitor was a tool of oppression, citing its role in restricting his freedom of movement. The damage to the device, which was discovered when he was scheduled to begin his sentence, has raised questions about the security measures in place for high-profile prisoners.
According to the Federal District’s Secretariat for Penitentiary Administration, the ankle monitor was found to be damaged, leading to the immediate suspension of his house arrest. Bolsonaro’s supporters have hailed the move as a victory for personal liberty, while critics have called it a reckless act that undermines the legal system. The incident has also prompted discussions about the broader implications of such actions on the administration of justice. Meanwhile, the Brazilian government is reportedly considering new measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including the use of more robust monitoring devices and stricter oversight protocols.