Brasília, Brazil – November 22, 2025: Former President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into police custody after Brazil’s Supreme Court deemed him a flight risk following his tampering with an electronic ankle monitor. Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest while appealing a conviction for a foiled coup attempt, reportedly used a soldering iron on the monitoring device, claiming it was out of curiosity.

Supreme Court Intervention and Precautionary Detention

Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes authorized Bolsonaro’s preventive detention, citing both the damage to the ankle monitor and a planned vigil by Bolsonaro supporters outside his home, which could compromise house arrest monitoring.

Judge Moraes stated:

“The tumult caused by an illegal gathering of the convict’s supporters has a strong chance of putting at risk the house arrest and other precautionary measures, allowing for his eventual escape.”

Bolsonaro’s legal team announced plans to appeal the detention order, arguing that the prayer vigil planned by his supporters was protected under Brazil’s constitutional right to religious freedom.

Context: Bolsonaro’s Conviction and Alleged Coup Plot

In September 2025, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup attempt after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The alleged plot included plans to:

• Prevent Lula from taking office in 2023
• Assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Judge Moraes

Although Bolsonaro was sentenced, the courts have not yet issued a final arrest order, as appeals are still pending.

Family and Political Reactions

Bolsonaro’s sons, Flavio and Eduardo Bolsonaro, have actively supported him, with Flavio urging supporters to “fight for your country” during the planned vigil. Flavio later described his father’s actions with the ankle monitor as either an “act of desperation” or a response to “shame” at wearing it in front of visitors.

Former US President Donald Trump commented on the arrest, stating he was unaware of the situation. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed concern over what he described as an “attack on the rule of law and political stability in Brazil,” calling the court action potentially dangerous for democracy.

Bolsonaro Taken to Federal Police Facility

Following his detention, Bolsonaro was transported to a federal police complex in Brasília for a medical examination before being assigned a holding cell. Reports indicate the cell includes a single bed, a television, air conditioning, and a toilet.

Supporters and critics alike reacted outside the facility:

• Bolsonaro supporters gathered with flags and sang hymns, expressing fears for his safety.
• Opponents celebrated, with some uncorking sparkling wine and calling the former president “the worst guy” for the attempted coup.

Health Considerations and House Arrest Requests

Bolsonaro, aged 70, has a history of hospitalizations due to a stabbing attack during the 2018 campaign, which complicates his detention. His legal team has requested that he serve his sentence under house arrest, citing ongoing health concerns.