Bolsonaro Detained in Brasilia After Alleged Ankle-Tag Tampering Ahead of 27-Year Sentence

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, 70, was detained early Saturday in Brasilia after authorities said he attempted to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor shortly before he was due to begin a 27-year prison sentence for crimes related to attempts to overturn the 2022 election.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the arrest after the ankle device was reported as violated at 00:08. In a rare Saturday ruling, Moraes described Bolsonaro as a "high flight risk" and cited intelligence suggesting the former president had considered seeking asylum at the Argentine embassy in Brasilia. The judge also warned that planned vigils by Bolsonaro supporters outside his home could create confusion that would aid an escape.

Evidence and legal context

Moraes’ order referenced several pieces of evidence, including the alleged tampering with the ankle monitor, messages about planned demonstrations, and the fact that some close allies and at least one family member had left Brazil to avoid court action. Bolsonaro and several aides were convicted last year in a case alleging they attempted to subvert democracy after the 2022 election; prosecutors have alleged the plot included plans to kill Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and to trigger an insurrection in early 2023. Bolsonaro was later sentenced to 27 years, though some legal avenues and appeals related to linked proceedings remain active.

Arrest and immediate reaction

Unmarked police vehicles carried out the operation, and authorities said the arrest was made with respect for Bolsonaro's dignity: he was not handcuffed when taken to the Federal Police headquarters. Supporters, who say he is being politically persecuted, were expected to rally outside the federal police building through the weekend. The Supreme Court panel handling the case is scheduled to vote on Justice Moraes’ order at an extraordinary session on Monday.

"That information shows the intent of the convict to break the ankle monitoring to assure his escape is successful," Justice Moraes wrote, noting the risk posed by demonstrations organised by the former president's supporters and family members.

Family and legal responses

Reactions from Bolsonaro’s circle combined faith, indignation and procedural questions. Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro posted, "I trust in the Lord." Lawyer Celso Vilardi said externally, "He has been imprisoned, but I don’t know why." Former press secretary Fabio Wajngarten described the arrest as "a terrible stain on the institutions" and questioned the timeline by saying the ankle device appeared to be functioning hours after the alleged breach.

Bolsonaro's legal team has repeatedly requested that he remain under house arrest on medical grounds, citing ongoing complications from a stab wound sustained during a 2018 campaign attack that they argue make a standard prison environment inappropriate.

What happens next

Saturday’s pre-emptive arrest was presented by authorities as a measure to prevent flight and preserve court oversight; it does not necessarily indicate where Bolsonaro will serve his sentence. The Supreme Court panel will consider Justice Moraes’ order at an extraordinary session on Monday, and further legal motions and appeals are expected in the coming days.