Brazil Supreme Court keeps Bolsonaro in federal police custody after ankle monitor violation

A panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court has unanimously voted to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in federal police custody after he admitted tampering with his ankle monitor, citing repeated violations of court orders and the risk that he could flee the country.

The four justices on the panel, Alexandre de Moraes, Cristiano Zanin, Carmen Lucia and Flavio Dino, agreed to convert Bolsonaro’s house arrest into pre-trial detention. Justice de Moraes said the former president showed “patent disrespect for the justice system” and that stricter measures were necessary to protect public order and ensure compliance with the law. Dino echoed concerns that Bolsonaro’s actions increased the likelihood of escape.

Bolsonaro was arrested on Saturday after allegedly damaging his electronic monitoring device with a soldering tool. He later claimed that hallucinations and paranoia induced by a change in medication led him to believe the monitor was a wiretap.

The decision comes as Bolsonaro serves a 27-year and three-month sentence handed down in September for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. He was convicted on multiple charges, including attempting a coup and participating in an armed criminal organisation. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing and says the case is politically motivated.

Authorities have previously flagged concerns he might try to leave the country, citing a letter seeking asylum in Argentina and a brief stay at the Hungarian embassy. His detention also follows US President Donald Trump’s public criticism of the case and sanctions against Justice de Moraes.

Bolsonaro remains held at a federal police facility in Brasília as appeals and further legal proceedings continue.