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Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities concluded he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under house arrest.

The ex-president was found guilty of plotting a armed takeover in the ninth month and handed more than 27 years in incarceration, but he was staying under confinement pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official the presiding justice said the move to detain the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after "new facts" emerged.

This involved seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a call for a demonstration that could enable a possible escape.

Court Filing Details Escape Concerns

In a filing authorising the arrest, the magistrate said intelligence from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the former leader's plan to remove the surveillance device to ensure success in his escape.

This, it said, would be assisted by the chaos caused by the gathering called by his son.

His son, Flávio, who holds office as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday night.

His son wrote on online platforms on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your homeland, or observe everything from your phone there on your couch? I call on you to battle with us."

He said the vigil would be so followers could offer prayers for his physical condition and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our country."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the judge's decision was the chance of his move to embassies near the home, considering that the probes revealed a record of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.

The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, the capital city, is located around approximately 13 kilometers from his dwelling.

International Reactions

Bolsonaro's legal woes have drawn the ire of fellow right-wing populist United States President Trump, causing him to implement a 50% tariff on Brazilian product imports.

Bolsonaro is being kept in a federal law enforcement building in the capital and will undergo a detention review on Sunday.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on Friday that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Top Court to authorize him to fulfill his full incarceration period under home confinement, with electronic monitoring.

They also asked that he be permitted to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he demanded frequent medical attention for respiratory ailments and other health problems.

Background on Conviction

The former president was convicted of leading a scheme aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the national vote to his political opponent, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he knew of a plan which included plans to assassinate Lula and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the High Court judge who has been presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.

The conspiracy was thwarted because it failed to get the backing of the military leaders. His successor was sworn in without incident on January 1st, 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, many his backers attacked and damaged public facilities in the federal district, Brazil's capital.

The security forces stepped in and around approximately 1,500 persons were detained.

The magistrates found that the rioters had been encouraged by the former president whose plan, they said, was for the national armed forces to intervene, bring back stability and return him to office.

At the moment, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also barred from campaigning for office until the year 2060 - eight years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.

The former president called the court case a "witch hunt and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 presidential election.