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Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities determined he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.

The ex-president was convicted of planning a military coup in September and sentenced more than 27 years in prison, but he was staying under home detention pending court reviews.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice the presiding justice said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after recent developments came to light.

This included trying to remove his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a demonstration that could facilitate a possible escape.

Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears

In a paperwork permitting the detention, the magistrate said intelligence from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the former leader's plan to remove the tracking monitor to secure accomplishment in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the chaos caused by the gathering called by his son.

His son, Flávio, who holds office as a congressional representative, called for a meeting of his supporters near his father's house to take place on Saturday night.

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on Friday: Will you battle for your country, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your sofa? I invite you to battle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so backers could offer prayers for his well-being and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our country."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the magistrate's decision was the potential of his transfer to foreign missions near the dwelling, considering that the investigations revealed a record of arranging to seek refuge through a embassy office", a statement said.

The legal document emphasizes that the American diplomatic mission in the federal district, Brazil's capital, is located around 8 miles from Bolsonaro's home.

Global Responses

Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist American leader Trump, leading him to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian product imports.

He is being held in a Federal Police station in the capital and will experience a custody hearing on Sunday.

Recent Legal Requests

It was only on Friday that the his legal team asked the High Court to allow him to fulfill his full incarceration period under house arrest, with digital surveillance.

They also petitioned that the former president be authorized to exit his dwelling for healthcare, saying he needed regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other ailments.

Background on Conviction

He was convicted of heading a plot aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the 2022 election to his ideological adversary, President Lula.

Supreme Court justices said that he had knowledge of a scheme which involved plans to kill Lula and his running partner, Geraldo Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Justice Moraes - the High Court judge who has been managing the former president's case.

The plot was stopped because it failed to get the endorsement of the military leaders. His successor was sworn in without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a seven days after, on the eighth of January, many his backers stormed and vandalised official structures in the federal district, the capital city.

The police stepped in and around fifteen hundred individuals were arrested.

The magistrates found that the protesters had been provoked by Bolsonaro whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to step in, restore order and bring him back to power.

At the moment, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the 27 years and three months sentence "absurdly excessive.

He was also banned from seeking elected position until 2060 - eight years later after the completion of his term.

The ex-leader called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was intended to stop him participating in the 2026 presidential election.