Former Brazilian president claims “paranoia” amid electronic monitoring incident
Brazil’s Supreme Court has upheld the detention of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was taken into custody over the weekend after allegedly tampering with his ankle monitor using a soldering iron.
Bolsonaro, under house arrest as he appeals a 27-year sentence for plotting a failed coup to prevent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office, was removed from his home on Saturday after a judge deemed him a flight risk.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that Bolsonaro “willfully and consciously violated the electronic monitoring equipment.” The three other justices in the court’s first chamber also voted to maintain his detention, which will be formalized once the virtual session ends at 23:00 GMT.
Justice Moraes cited serious indications of a possible escape attempt during a vigil organized by Bolsonaro’s son outside his residence. The ruling referenced Bolsonaro’s proximity to the U.S. embassy and his close ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a potential plan to seek political asylum.
During a hearing on Sunday in Brasilia, Bolsonaro stated he “experienced a certain paranoia between Friday and Saturday due to medication” and insisted he had no intention of fleeing. He also claimed there was no breakage of the bracelet’s strap.
However, a video released by the court on Saturday showed Bolsonaro using a soldering iron on the monitoring device, which was badly damaged but still attached to his ankle. His lawyers requested reconsideration for humanitarian house arrest, citing his “state of mental confusion” linked to prescribed medication.
The Supreme Court previously denied one appeal of Bolsonaro’s sentence. His legal team has until Monday midnight to submit another challenge.
Source: AFP