Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro arrested amid escape plot fears before 27-year sentence
Supreme Court Justice orders arrest, confirming Bolsonaro showed intent to ‘break his ankle monitor’ in clear attempt to escape and flee Brazil
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the pre-emptive arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday, with a judge claiming he was intent on escaping just days before he was set to begin his 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt.
The 70-year-old politician was taken to the headquarters of the country’s federal police in the capital, Brasilia, from his house arrest.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the case, said in his ruling that Bolsonaro’s ankle monitor, which he has worn since July 18 for being deemed a flight risk, was violated at 0.08am on Saturday.
“That information shows the intent of the convict to break the ankle monitoring to assure his escape is successful, which would be made easier by the confusion that would be caused by a demonstration organised by his son,” the justice said.
He also said the arrest “should be made with all respect to the dignity of former President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, without the use of handcuffs and without any media exposition.”
Bolsonaro’s aide Andriely Cirino confirmed that the arrest took place around 6am on Saturday, only hours after de Moraes made the unexpected decision.