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The former Brazilian leader has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under domestic detention.

The one-time leader was found guilty of plotting a military coup in last fall and handed more than over two decades in jail, but he was staying under confinement pending court reviews.

Top Judicial Official Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a precautionary step after fresh information emerged.

This included trying to remove his electronic bracelet and a summons to a public vigil that could facilitate a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Risks

In a document approving the detention, the judge said data from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's "intention to break the surveillance device to ensure success in his escape.

This, it said, would be "facilitated by the confusion caused by the demonstration called by his son.

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

His son wrote on digital networks on Friday: "Are you going to fight for your nation, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your settee? I call on you to battle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so followers could "pray for his well-being and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."

Foreign Shelter Risks

Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of his transfer to foreign missions near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of organizing to seek refuge through a consular facility", a statement said.

The court filing highlights that the United States embassy in the federal district, Brazil's capital, is positioned around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

International Reactions

The former president's legal troubles have provoked anger from fellow populist conservative US President Donald Trump, leading him to implement a fifty percent tax on Brazilian product imports.

He is being kept in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a custody hearing on Sunday.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on last Friday that the his legal team asked the High Court to permit him to fulfill his full incarceration period under domestic detention, with electronic monitoring.

They also asked that Bolsonaro be authorized to exit his dwelling for healthcare, saying he needed frequent medical attention for pulmonary infections and other health problems.

Context of Sentencing

The former president was found guilty of leading a scheme aimed at keeping him in power after he was defeated in the presidential race to his ideological adversary, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he knew of a scheme which involved plans to assassinate his opponent and his vice-presidential running mate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Alexandre de Moraes - the top judicial official who has been presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.

The conspiracy was prevented because it failed to get the endorsement of the army and air force commanders. The current president was sworn in without problem on 1 January 2023.

But a week later, on the eighth of January, numerous his backers stormed and vandalised government buildings in the federal district, Brasília.

The police took action and around 1,500 people were taken into custody.

The judges found that the demonstrators had been provoked by him whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to step in, restore order and reinstate his authority.

At the period, his attorneys 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 conclusion of his imprisonment.

The one-time head of state called the legal proceedings a targeted investigation" and said it was designed to prevent him running in the 2026 national vote.