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Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after authorities concluded he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.

The one-time leader was sentenced of orchestrating a armed takeover in the ninth month and handed more than 27 years in incarceration, but he remained under home detention pending appeals.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Justice Moraes said the move to detain the 70-year-old politician was a safety action after recent developments came to light.

This involved trying to remove his electronic bracelet and a summons to a demonstration that could "allow for a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Risks

In a filing authorising the arrest, the magistrate said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the surveillance device to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the disorder caused by the protest called by his son.

His child, 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.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on online platforms on last Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your homeland, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your sofa? I invite you to fight with us."

He said the demonstration would be so followers could offer prayers for his health and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the magistrate's determination was the potential of his transfer to diplomatic missions near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of planning to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a declaration said.

The legal document underscores that the US embassy in the capital, Brasilia, is located around 13km from Bolsonaro's home.

Worldwide Consequences

His judicial problems have drawn the ire of fellow populist conservative US President Donald Trump, leading him to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian product imports.

The former president is being kept in a national police facility in Brasilia and will experience a custody hearing on the next day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under house arrest, with digital surveillance.

They also asked that the former president be allowed to leave his home for medical treatment, saying he required regular treatment for respiratory ailments and other health problems.

Context of Sentencing

He was determined responsible of leading a scheme aimed at maintaining his control after he failed to win the presidential race to his political opponent, President Lula.

High Court judges said that he was aware of a scheme which included plans to murder Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to detain and kill Alexandre de Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.

The conspiracy was stopped because it couldn't obtain the support of the military leaders. Lula was sworn in without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a seven days after, on 8 January, thousands of his followers attacked and damaged official structures in the capital, Brasília.

The law enforcement took action and around 1,500 people were detained.

The judges found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose strategy, they said, was for the country's army to step in, bring back stability and bring him back to power.

At the moment, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

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

The ex-leader called the court case a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 national vote.