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The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under domestic detention.

The ex-president was found guilty of plotting a government overthrow in the ninth month and sentenced more than 27 years in jail, but he was staying under confinement pending legal challenges.

Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a safety action after "new facts" emerged.

This involved attempting to break his tracking device and a call for a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a possible escape.

Court Filing Details Flight Fears

In a filing authorising the detention, the judge said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the chaos caused by the gathering called by his son.

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

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on online platforms on Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your homeland, or see it all from your smartphone there on your settee? I call on you to fight with us."

He said the gathering would be so supporters could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our country."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the judge's determination was the possibility of his move to embassies near the residence, considering that the inquiries revealed a background of arranging to request asylum through a embassy office", a declaration said.

The court filing emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, Brasilia, is situated around 13km from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow right-wing populist American leader President Trump, leading him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.

He is being held in a federal law enforcement building in Brasilia and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on Sunday.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Top Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under domestic detention, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that the former president be permitted to leave his home for medical treatment, saying he needed regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.

Context of Sentencing

Bolsonaro was found guilty of leading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the national vote to his political opponent, President Lula.

High Court judges said that he knew of a plot which involved plans to assassinate his opponent and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to arrest and execute Justice Moraes - the High Court judge who has been overseeing his judicial proceedings.

The conspiracy was prevented because it didn't receive the endorsement of the army and air force commanders. His successor was took office without issue on the first day of 2023.

But a following week, on January 8th, numerous his backers attacked and damaged public facilities in the capital, Brasília.

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

The justices found that the demonstrators had been provoked by Bolsonaro whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to take action, bring back stability and reinstate his authority.

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

He was also prohibited from campaigning for office until the year 2060 - eight years later after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a political persecution and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 national vote.