Jair Bolsonaro Detained as Flight Risk Amid Coup Conviction

Sun Nov 23 2025 10:54:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested after being deemed a flight risk while under house arrest. This drastic step follows his conviction for plotting a military coup earlier this year.

Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody due to concerns of him attempting to flee from justice while under house arrest after being sentenced to over 27 years in prison for plotting a coup. The Brazilian Supreme Court has cited new evidence suggesting he might try to escape during a rally planned by his supporters. His arrest comes in the wake of public protests and international tensions emanating from his legal troubles.

Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after being determined a 'concrete flight risk' while under house arrest.

The right-wing former Brazilian president was found guilty of plotting a military coup in September and sentenced to more than 27 years in prison, but he remains under house arrest pending appeals.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes stated that the move to detain the 70-year-old was a preventative measure after 'new facts' emerged.

Bolsonaro admitted to attempting to tamper with his ankle monitor using a soldering iron but denied intentions to escape. Court officials indicated he planned to use a rally as a distraction to break free.

In a filing authorizing the arrest, Justice Moraes cited information suggesting that Bolsonaro had intentions to break the electronic ankle bracelet and flee, possibly using a demonstration organized by his son as a cover.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro called for a gathering of supporters near his father's residence to take place Saturday night, urging them to engage in a vigil to 'pray for his health and for the return of democracy'.

The move highlights Bolsonaro's long-standing concern regarding possible escape routes, particularly given the proximity of the US embassy in Brasilia, just 8 miles from his home.

Bolsonaro's ongoing legal issues have strained relations with international figures, including US President Donald Trump, who recently imposed tariffs on Brazilian imports due to the circumstances surrounding Bolsonaro's conviction.

Currently, Bolsonaro is being held at a police station in Brasilia and is set to undergo a custody hearing on Sunday.

Legal representation for the former president recently sought to have him serve his entire jail sentence under house arrest, citing medical concerns regarding his pulmonary health.

Bolsonaro was previously convicted for leading a conspiracy intended to maintain power post his loss in the 2022 election to leftist politician Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which included plans of severe violence against political rivals.