Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.
The former head of state was found guilty of orchestrating a military coup in the ninth month and sentenced more than a 27-year term in prison, but he continued under confinement pending appeals.
High Court Judge the presiding justice said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after fresh information were revealed.
This encompassed trying to remove his tracking device and a summons to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a possible escape.
Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears
In a filing authorising the custody, the judge said information from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the tracking monitor to ensure success in his getaway".
This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the protest called by his offspring.
His child, Flávio, who works as a senator, called for a gathering of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday evening.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your homeland, or watch it all from your phone there on your sofa? I invite you to fight with us."
He said the vigil would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our country."
Foreign Shelter Risks
Part of the magistrate's determination was the possibility of his move to embassies near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a background of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a declaration said.
The legal document underscores that the United States embassy in the federal district, Brazil's capital, is situated around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.
Global Responses
His judicial problems have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist American leader Donald Trump, causing him to implement a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.
Bolsonaro is being held in a national police facility in the capital and will experience a custody hearing on the next day.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on Friday that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the High Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with tracking devices.
They also asked that Bolsonaro be permitted to depart his residence for healthcare, saying he demanded regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other health problems.
Background on Conviction
He was convicted of heading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to his political opponent, Lula.
Supreme Court justices said that he knew of a plot which involved plans to kill his opponent and his vice-presidential running mate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to imprison and murder Justice Moraes - the top judicial official who has been managing Bolsonaro's trial.
The conspiracy was thwarted because it failed to get the endorsement of the army and air force commanders. The current president was inaugurated without issue on January 1st, 2023.
But a following week, on January 8th, many his backers invaded and destroyed public facilities in the federal district, Brazil's capital.
The security forces took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.
The magistrates found that the demonstrators had been provoked by him whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to intervene, restore order and bring him back to power.
At the moment, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh.
He was also banned from running for public office until 2060 - eight years later after the conclusion of his imprisonment.
The one-time head of state called the court case a targeted investigation" and said it was designed to prevent him participating in the 2026 presidential election.
