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Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities found he posed a concrete flight risk while under house arrest.

The one-time leader was found guilty of orchestrating a armed takeover in last fall and sentenced more than over two decades in incarceration, but he was staying under confinement pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a precautionary step after "new facts" emerged.

This encompassed seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a summons to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a chance to flee".

Court Filing Details Escape Concerns

In a filing authorising the custody, the magistrate said information from the facility tracking Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his flight.

This, it said, would be made easier by the disorder caused by the protest called by his son.

His son, Flávio, who serves as a senator, called for a meeting of his supporters near Bolsonaro's home to take place on Saturday night.

The senator wrote on digital networks on the previous day: Will you battle for your homeland, or watch it all from your phone there on your sofa? I urge you to battle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could "pray for his health and for the return of democracy in our land."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the magistrate's determination was the possibility of the former president's "relocation to foreign missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a background of arranging to ask for protection through a embassy office", a declaration said.

The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, the capital city, is situated around 8 miles from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

Bolsonaro's legal woes have drawn the ire of fellow populist conservative US President President Trump, leading him to impose a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.

The former president is being held in a national police facility in the capital and will experience a detention review on the next day.

Recent Legal Requests

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

They also petitioned that the former president be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he required ongoing care for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.

Background on Conviction

He was convicted of heading a conspiracy aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the presidential race to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a scheme which involved plans to kill Lula and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to imprison and murder Justice Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been overseeing the former president's case.

The conspiracy was prevented because it didn't receive the endorsement of the armed forces officials. The current president was inaugurated without problem on January 1st, 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, thousands of his backers invaded and destroyed government buildings in the federal district, Brazil's capital.

The police stepped in and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.

The judges found that the protesters had been incited by the former president whose strategy, they said, was for the country's army to take action, reestablish control and reinstate his authority.

At the moment, his attorneys called the 27 years and three months sentence unreasonably severe".

He was also prohibited from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years later after the end of his sentence.

The one-time head of state called the court case a political persecution and said it was intended to stop him participating in the next presidential race.