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The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities found he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.

The former head of state was convicted of plotting a military coup in last fall and sentenced more than 27 years in prison, but he was staying under home detention pending legal challenges.

High Court Judge Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a precautionary step after fresh information came to light.

This encompassed trying to remove his ankle monitor and a invitation to a demonstration that could facilitate a chance to flee".

Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears

In a filing authorising the detention, Justice Moraes said information from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the chaos caused by the gathering called by his child.

His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, who serves as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his followers near his father's house to take place on the weekend.

His son wrote on online platforms on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your homeland, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your couch? I invite you to battle with us."

He said the vigil would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our nation."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of the former president's move to embassies near the home, considering that the investigations revealed a record of arranging to ask for protection through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.

The judicial paperwork underscores that the United States embassy in the national capital, Brasilia, is positioned around 8 miles from his dwelling.

Worldwide Consequences

The former president's legal troubles have drawn the ire of fellow populist conservative American leader Trump, prompting him to implement a half-rate duty on Brazilian product imports.

He is being kept in a federal law enforcement building in Brasilia and will have a detention review on the following day.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the High Court to allow him to fulfill his full incarceration period under home confinement, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that Bolsonaro be permitted to depart his residence for healthcare, saying he required frequent medical attention for pulmonary infections and other ailments.

Context of Sentencing

The former president was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the 2022 election to his ideological adversary, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he knew of a plan which included plans to murder Lula and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the High Court judge who has been overseeing the former president's case.

The plot was stopped because it failed to get the backing of the armed forces officials. Lula was sworn in without issue on the first day of 2023.

But a following week, on 8 January, many his followers attacked and damaged official structures in the federal district, Brazil's capital.

The security forces took action and around 1,500 people were taken into custody.

The judges found that the demonstrators had been incited by him whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, restore order and reinstate his authority.

At the time, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".

He was also banned from campaigning for office until 2060 - a decade minus two years after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the 2026 presidential election.