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Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.

The ex-president was sentenced of plotting a armed takeover in September and handed more than 27 years in incarceration, but he remained under confinement pending court reviews.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" came to light.

This included seeking to disable his tracking device and a call for a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a chance to flee".

Judicial Records Show Escape Concerns

In a document approving the arrest, the magistrate said intelligence from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the ex-president's aim to disable the surveillance device to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be assisted by the disorder caused by the demonstration called by his child.

His child, his son Flávio, who serves as a senator, called for a gathering of his followers near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday evening.

The senator wrote on social media on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your country, or see it all from your mobile device there on your couch? I invite you to struggle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so followers could offer prayers for his health and for the restoration of democratic rule in our nation."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the judge's determination was the potential of the former president's transfer to embassies near the dwelling, considering that the investigations revealed a background of organizing to seek refuge through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.

The legal document emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the national capital, the capital city, is situated around 13km from Bolsonaro's home.

Global Responses

The former president's legal troubles have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist American leader Donald Trump, causing him to enact a half-rate duty on Brazilian product imports.

He is being held in a Federal Police station in Brazil's capital city and will experience a custody hearing on the following day.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to authorize him to fulfill his full incarceration period under home confinement, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that he be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he required ongoing care for lung conditions and other ailments.

Context of Sentencing

Bolsonaro was convicted of leading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he was defeated in the national vote to his left-wing rival, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a plot which included plans to kill the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been presiding over his judicial proceedings.

The plot was thwarted because it failed to get the endorsement of the armed forces officials. His successor was inaugurated without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a week later, on 8 January, many his backers invaded and destroyed government buildings in the national capital, Brazil's capital.

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

The judges found that the rioters had been encouraged by the former president whose scheme, they said, was for the country's army to step in, restore order and reinstate his authority.

At the moment, his attorneys called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh.

He was also prohibited from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.

The one-time head of state called the court case a political persecution and said it was designed to prevent him participating in the next presidential race.