🔗 Share this article Jair Bolsonaro detained after being declared a flight risk Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under home confinement. The ex-president was found guilty of orchestrating a armed takeover in last fall and sentenced more than over two decades in prison, but he was staying under confinement pending legal challenges. High Court Judge Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after fresh information were revealed. This included seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a call for a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a potential flight. Legal Document Reveals Escape Concerns In a filing authorising the custody, the judge said intelligence from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the surveillance device to secure accomplishment in his escape. This, it said, would be "facilitated by the disorder caused by the demonstration called by his child. His son, his son Flávio, who holds office as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his backers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on the weekend. Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your nation, or watch it all from your phone there on your couch? I urge you to fight with us." He said the vigil would be so followers could offer prayers for his well-being and for the restoration of democratic rule in our country." Diplomatic Refuge Fears Part of Justice Moraes's decision was the chance of Bolsonaro's move to embassies near the dwelling, considering that the investigations revealed a history of planning to seek refuge through a consular facility", a declaration said. The court filing emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, Brasilia, is situated around 13km from Bolsonaro's home. Global Responses Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist American leader Trump, prompting him to enact a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods. He is being held in a Federal Police station in Brasilia and will experience a imprisonment assessment on the next day. Recent Legal Requests It was only on Friday that the his legal team asked the High Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under domestic detention, with tracking devices. They also asked that the former president be authorized to leave his home for medical treatment, saying he needed ongoing care for respiratory ailments and other illnesses. Background on Conviction He was determined responsible of leading a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the presidential race to his political opponent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a plan which included plans to kill the current president and his running partner, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the High Court judge who has been presiding over the former president's case. The scheme was prevented because it didn't receive the endorsement of the army and air force commanders. The current president was inaugurated without problem on January 1st, 2023. But a week later, on January 8th, thousands of his backers attacked and damaged official structures in the federal district, BrasÃlia. The police took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were arrested. The judges found that the rioters had been provoked by Bolsonaro whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to intervene, reestablish control and return him to office. At the time, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh. He was also banned from campaigning for office until the year 2060 - eight years later after the completion of his term. The former president called the trial a political persecution and said it was intended to stop him running in the next presidential race.