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Jair Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.

The ex-president was sentenced of planning a armed takeover in September and given more than a 27-year term in jail, but he was staying under confinement pending court reviews.

High Court Judge the presiding justice said the decision to arrest the septuagenarian politician was a safety action after fresh information came to light.

This encompassed seeking to disable his ankle monitor and a call for a public vigil that could "allow for a potential flight.

Legal Document Reveals Escape Concerns

In a document approving the arrest, the judge said intelligence from the unit overseeing the former president's confinement suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the tracking monitor to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be made easier by the chaos caused by the demonstration called by his son.

His son, his son Flávio, who serves as a legislator, called for a gathering of his backers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on Saturday evening.

The senator wrote on online platforms on Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or watch it all from your phone there on your settee? I invite you to fight with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could offer prayers for his physical condition and for the restoration of democratic rule in our land."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of Justice Moraes's decision was the potential of his transfer to embassies near the home, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of planning to seek refuge through a consular facility", a statement said.

The court filing emphasizes that the US embassy in the federal district, the capital city, is located around 13km from Bolsonaro's home.

International Reactions

His judicial problems have generated frustration from fellow right-wing populist American leader President Trump, causing him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.

Bolsonaro is being held in a Federal Police station in the capital and will undergo a detention review on the next day.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on the previous day that the former president's lawyers asked the High Court to allow him to serve his whole jail sentence under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.

They also asked that he be allowed to leave his home for medical care, saying he required regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other health problems.

Background on Conviction

He was determined responsible of heading a conspiracy aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the presidential race to his political opponent, President Lula.

High Court judges said that he was aware of a scheme which included plans to kill the current president and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the top judicial official who has been managing his judicial proceedings.

The conspiracy was thwarted because it didn't receive the backing of the armed forces officials. His successor was inaugurated without problem on the first day of 2023.

But a seven days after, on 8 January, numerous his followers invaded and destroyed government buildings in the federal district, Brazil's capital.

The security forces intervened and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.

The magistrates found that the rioters had been incited by Bolsonaro whose strategy, they said, was for the country's army to intervene, restore order and return him to office.

At the period, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the 27 years and three months sentence extremely harsh.

He was also prohibited from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years later after the end of his sentence.

The ex-leader called the court case a "witch hunt and said it was designed to prevent him running in the next presidential race.