Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested on Saturday by police, who took him from his home to the police station, international news agencies reported. Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August. According to the AFP and AP news agencies, which saw a ruling, the high judge Alexandre de Moraes decided to do this because of a “high flight risk”. Bolsonaro is said to have tried to break his electronic ankle bracelet to escape during a demonstration that supporters had planned around his home. It is exceptional that the Supreme Court makes decisions on Saturdays, unless there are security risks.
Previously reported local media that Bolsonaro would begin the 27-year prison sentence imposed on him for leading an attempted coup in November. But the judges have not yet issued a final arrest warrant, because Bolsonaro’s lawyers have until early next week to appeal again, AFP writes.
The arrest does not necessarily mark the start of Bolsonaro’s sentence. His lawyers are trying to ensure that the 70-year-old can serve his sentence at home due to his poor health. However, Brazilian law states that all convicts must begin their sentences in prison.
Despite his conviction, the former president still has many supporters. They are now expected to gather in front of the police station. One of Bolsonaro’s sons called for protest earlier this week.
The former president was convicted of attempted coup following his defeat in the 2022 elections against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro was also found guilty of leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to abolish democracy by force.
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