Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested on Saturday, November 22, after police alleged he attempted to tamper with his electronic monitoring bracelet to facilitate an escape.
Arrest and Alleged Tampering
Bolsonaro was taken into custody after officials claimed he tried to dismantle or alter the electronic bracelet installed on his wrist as part of his mandatory electronic monitoring.
Escape Plan Unveiled
BBC reports that Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes said surveillance footage indicates that Bolsonaro intended to damage the bracelet to secure a successful escape. The plan was supposedly aided by a demonstration organised by his son, and journalists suggest he could have fled to a diplomatic embassy to seek asylum.
Defense Argues No Escape Intent
Lawyer Paulo Cunha Bueno maintains that Bolsonaro did not wish to escape. His lawyers are requesting that he serve his entire term under home confinement with electronic monitoring, and they are also seeking permission for him to leave home for medical treatment, citing regular care for a lung infection.