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The former Brazilian leader has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.

The ex-president was convicted of plotting a government overthrow in last fall and sentenced more than a 27-year term in jail, but he remained under confinement pending court reviews.

High Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes said the move to detain 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 call for a public vigil that could facilitate a possible escape.

Judicial Records Show Escape Concerns

In a paperwork permitting the detention, the judge said data from the centre monitoring his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the electronic ankle bracelet to ensure success in his getaway".

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

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

Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on the previous day: "Are you going to fight for your homeland, or observe everything from your mobile device there on your couch? I urge you to battle with us."

He said the demonstration would be so followers could seek divine intervention for his physical condition and for the return of democracy in our country."

Diplomatic Refuge Fears

Part of the magistrate's decision was the possibility of the former president's move to embassies near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a record of planning to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a statement said.

The judicial paperwork highlights that the United States embassy in the national capital, the capital city, is positioned around approximately 13 kilometers from the former president's residence.

Worldwide Consequences

Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow populist conservative American leader Trump, prompting him to enact a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.

The former president is being kept in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on the next day.

Recent Judicial Appeals

It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fulfill his full incarceration period under domestic detention, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that he be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he needed ongoing care for respiratory ailments and other health problems.

Background on Conviction

He was found guilty of heading a scheme aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the presidential race to his ideological adversary, President Lula.

Top judicial officials said that he was aware of a plot which encompassed plans to assassinate the current president and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to detain and kill Alexandre de Moraes - the High Court judge who has been presiding over the former president's case.

The conspiracy was prevented because it couldn't obtain the backing of the military leaders. His successor was took office without problem on the first day of 2023.

But a week later, on 8 January, many his followers stormed and vandalised public facilities in the national capital, Brazil's capital.

The law enforcement intervened and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.

The justices found that the protesters had been provoked by the former president whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to take action, reestablish control and reinstate his authority.

At the moment, the legal team called the 27 years and three months sentence extremely harsh.

He was also barred from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years later after the end of his sentence.

The ex-leader called the court case a targeted investigation" and said it was designed to prevent him participating in the next presidential race.