The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under domestic detention.
The former head of state was convicted of orchestrating a military coup in September and given more than a 27-year term in incarceration, but he remained under home detention pending court reviews.
Top Judicial Official the presiding justice said the move to detain the 70-year-old politician was a safety action after recent developments came to light.
This included attempting to break his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a demonstration that could "allow for a possible escape.
Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears
In a filing authorising the custody, Justice Moraes said data from the facility tracking his home detention suggested the ex-president's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his escape.
This, it said, would be assisted by the confusion caused by the protest called by his child.
His child, his son Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a meeting of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday evening.
His son wrote on online platforms on Friday: Will you battle for your nation, or watch it all from your smartphone there on your settee? I invite you to struggle with us."
He said the demonstration would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his health and for the return of democracy in our country."
Foreign Shelter Risks
Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of the former president's transfer to diplomatic missions near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a history of planning to request asylum through a embassy office", a statement said.
The legal document emphasizes that the United States embassy in the capital, the capital city, is located around 8 miles from Bolsonaro's home.
Worldwide Consequences
Bolsonaro's legal woes have generated frustration from fellow right-wing populist United States President Trump, causing him to enact a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.
Bolsonaro is being detained in a federal law enforcement building in Brazil's capital city and will experience a detention review on the following day.
Recent Judicial Appeals
It was only on last Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under home confinement, with digital surveillance.
They also petitioned that he be permitted to leave his home for medical care, saying he required frequent medical attention for lung conditions and other illnesses.
Background on Conviction
He was found guilty of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the 2022 election to his political opponent, President Lula.
High Court judges said that he was aware of a scheme which included plans to assassinate Lula and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the High Court judge who has been managing Bolsonaro's trial.
The scheme was prevented because it didn't receive the support of the military leaders. Lula was took office without issue on January 1st, 2023.
But a seven days after, on the eighth of January, many his followers attacked and damaged public facilities in the national capital, Brazil's capital.
The security forces stepped in and around 1,500 people were detained.
The magistrates found that the protesters had been encouraged by him whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, bring back stability and bring him back to power.
At the time, the legal team called the decades-long sentence extremely harsh.
He was also banned from campaigning for office until twenty-sixty - a decade minus two years after the end of his sentence.
The ex-leader called the court case a political persecution and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the next presidential race.
