Brazil's ex-president arrested on suspicion of plotting escape

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody by federal police after being deemed a flight risk. The move followed revelations that he had tampered with his electronic ankle monitor — a device he was required to wear while under house arrest awaiting the final outcome of his appeals. 

According to court documents, monitoring data showed a violation of the device at 12:08 a.m. the same day.  The judge overseeing the case, Alexandre de Moraes, interpreted this as clear evidence that Bolsonaro attempted to disable the ankle tag — a serious breach of the conditions imposed by the court. 

In response, federal agents carried out a preemptive arrest early Saturday and transferred him from his home in Brasília to a federal police facility. 

Why the Arrest — and What Triggered It

The immediate cause for police action was the damaged ankle monitor. A video published by the court shows the device badly burned and its casing melted — reportedly after Bolsonaro used a soldering iron to tamper with it. 

Authorities said they considered the incident a serious violation because it made him a “flight risk,” especially in light of a planned vigil by his supporters near his residence, which could have interfered with police surveillance. 

Bolsonaro’s defense provided an alternate explanation: during a custody hearing, he said that a recent change in his medication triggered paranoia and hallucinations, leading him to tamper with the device — not to flee.  He argued that he believed the monitoring bracelet was bugged and simply wanted to investigate. 

Nonetheless, the court rejected the argument, describing the act as a serious breach, repeated non-compliance with precautionary measures, and “blatant disrespect” for judicial authority. 

Legal Background: Why Was Bolsonaro Under House Arrest?

Bolsonaro — who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 until 2022 — was convicted in September 2025 on charges related to an attempted coup following his electoral defeat. He was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. 

Because of appeals and his health condition (he had suffered a stabbing attack in 2018 and reportedly had other health problems), the court initially allowed him to remain under house arrest. Under that arrangement, he was required to wear the ankle monitor, refrain from using social media, and follow other restrictions. 

Court’s Decision to Keep Him in Custody

On Monday, November 24, 2025 — just two days after his arrest — a panel of justices from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) voted unanimously to keep Bolsonaro under police custody. The four-judge panel agreed that the ankle-monitor tampering and risk of escape justified converting his house arrest into pre-trial detention. 

In their ruling, they cited the need to: guarantee public order; ensure respect for criminal law; and prevent further disregard for judicial precautionary measures. 

Even though Bolsonaro’s legal team had requested continued house arrest on humanitarian grounds — citing his age and health — the court denied the request. 

Reactions and Public Response

News of the arrest sparked sharply polarized reactions across Brazil:

Some celebrated publicly, seeing the arrest as a landmark moment in holding leaders accountable for attempts to subvert democracy. 

Supporters of Bolsonaro, on the other hand, described the detention as “political persecution,” accusing the judiciary of using harsh measures against a senior political figure. 

Meanwhile, authorities said the preemptive arrest was justified not only by the ankle-monitor tampering but also by the context: a planned vigil by his followers that, under court order, could hinder surveillance and create a risk of escape. 

What’s Next — What It Means for Brazil’s Democracy

With the arrest and court’s approval for detention, Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence now seems likely to be enforced — possibly as early as next week if no further appeals reverse the decision. 

The case underscores the judiciary’s willingness to impose strong pre-trial measures, even on former heads of state, when there is credible evidence of non-compliance and risk of flight. That could set a precedent for future political-legal cases.

The polarized public response reflects deep rifts in Brazilian society: between those demanding accountability and those viewing this as an overreach. This case may influence the tone of national politics leading up to future elections.

For many, the episode may serve as a cautionary tale: even powerful leaders are not immune to legal consequences when democratic norms and rule-of-law standards are invoked.

Conclusion

The arrest of Jair Bolsonaro marks a dramatic turn in one of Brazil’s most consequential political-legal dramas. Triggered by tampering with his ankle monitor while under court-ordered house arrest, the arrest and pre-trial detention reveal deep tensions between accountability for alleged coup-related crimes and concerns about political persecution.

Whether you view the arrest as justice served or judicial overreach, what’s clear is that the fate of Brazil’s democracy — and the credibility of its institutions — will continue to be closely watched, both at home and abroad.