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Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under domestic detention.

The ex-president was sentenced of orchestrating a government overthrow in the ninth month and sentenced more than a 27-year term in prison, but he remained under confinement pending legal challenges.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" were revealed.

This encompassed seeking to disable his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could enable a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Concerns

In a paperwork permitting the arrest, the magistrate said data from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the ex-president's aim to disable the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his getaway".

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

His son, his son Flávio, who works as a senator, called for a gathering of his followers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on the weekend.

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

He said the vigil would be so supporters could offer prayers for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our country."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the magistrate's decision was the possibility of the former president's move to diplomatic missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a background of planning to request asylum through a embassy office", a statement said.

The legal document highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, Brazil's capital, is situated around 13km from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

The former president's legal troubles have generated frustration from fellow populist conservative American leader President Trump, prompting him to impose a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods.

Bolsonaro is being held in a Federal Police station in the capital and will experience a custody hearing on Sunday.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on the previous day that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under home confinement, with digital surveillance.

They also petitioned that the former president be permitted to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he demanded ongoing care for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.

Background on Conviction

Bolsonaro was convicted of orchestrating a scheme aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the national vote to his left-wing rival, Lula.

High Court judges said that he had knowledge of a scheme which included plans to assassinate his opponent and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to imprison and murder the presiding judge - the High Court judge who has been overseeing the former president's case.

The plot was thwarted because it failed to get the support of the military leaders. His successor was sworn in without incident on January 1st, 2023.

But a seven days after, on January 8th, numerous Bolsonaro supporters invaded and destroyed government buildings in the national capital, the capital city.

The police took action and around 1,500 people were arrested.

The magistrates found that the rioters had been provoked by the former president whose scheme, they said, was for the national armed forces to intervene, bring back stability and return him to office.

At the time, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also prohibited from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years later after the conclusion of his imprisonment.

The one-time head of state called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was aimed at blocking him running in the 2026 presidential election.