On his first full day in jail, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro explained to a judge that he had violated his ankle monitoring due to a nervous breakdown and hallucinations caused by a change in medication. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the 70-year-old leader’s preemptive jailing, considering him a flight risk, as Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. Bolsonaro stated during an online meeting with an assistant judge that he experienced ‘hallucinations’ about the ankle monitoring, leading him to believe it was wiretapped. He denied attempting to escape and attributed the breakdown to recent medication changes.
The former president admitted to feeling paranoia and insomnia, which sparked his curiosity to tamper with the monitoring device. Despite being surrounded by family and an aide, no one noticed his actions until late at night. The violation was detected at 12:08 a.m. on Saturday, leading to the arrest order issued. Doctors who attended Bolsonaro suspended the medication they believed caused the episode and confirmed his physical well-being. A panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court had previously found Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to stage a coup and retain power after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The next step involves a panel vote on the preemptive arrest order on Monday. Bolsonaro’s meeting with a judge aimed to discuss the legality of his jailing and health concerns, although previous requests for house arrest were denied. Justice de Moraes allowed a visit from Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle, who refrained from speaking to the press. Meanwhile, Lula commented on the situation at the G20 meeting, highlighting the court’s decision. Pro-Bolsonaro protesters demanded the removal of Lula and de Moraes, while critics celebrated Bolsonaro’s detention.
Anti-Bolsonaro demonstrations took place in various Brazilian cities, including a Sao Paulo parade with a doll representing the former president as an inmate. Rio de Janeiro’s Pride parades also acknowledged Bolsonaro’s arrest, reflecting the polarized opinions surrounding the political leader.
