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The former Brazilian leader has been taken into custody after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.

The former head of state was found guilty of orchestrating a government overthrow in September and given more than a 27-year term in prison, but he continued under confinement pending appeals.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the septuagenarian politician was a preventative measure after fresh information emerged.

This included attempting to break his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a possible escape.

Court Filing Details Escape Concerns

In a filing authorising the custody, the magistrate said data from the unit overseeing the former president's confinement suggested the ex-president's plan to remove the surveillance device to guarantee victory in his flight.

This, it said, would be made easier by the chaos caused by the protest called by his offspring.

His son, Flávio, who serves as a legislator, called for a gathering of his followers near his father's house to take place on Saturday night.

His son wrote on digital networks on Friday: Will you battle for your nation, or see it all from your phone there on your sofa? I call on you to struggle with us."

He said the gathering would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his physical condition and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the magistrate's determination was the potential of his transfer to diplomatic missions near the dwelling, considering that the investigations revealed a background of planning to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.

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

Global Responses

Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist United States President Donald Trump, leading him to implement a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.

He is being kept in a national police facility in the capital and will undergo a custody hearing on the next day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the former president's lawyers asked the Top Court to authorize him to serve his whole jail sentence under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.

They also requested that he be permitted to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he needed regular treatment for lung conditions and other health problems.

Context of Sentencing

The former president was found guilty of orchestrating a plot aimed at maintaining his control after he lost the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, Lula.

High Court judges said that he knew of a plot which included plans to kill Lula and his vice-presidential running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to detain and kill Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.

The conspiracy was thwarted because it didn't receive the backing of the armed forces officials. Lula was inaugurated without incident on the first day of 2023.

But a following week, on 8 January, numerous his backers stormed and vandalised public facilities in the national capital, Brazil's capital.

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

The justices found that the protesters had been incited by Bolsonaro whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, restore order and reinstate his authority.

At the time, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".

He was also banned from seeking elected position until 2060 - eight years later after the completion of his term.

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