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Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.

The former head of state was found guilty of orchestrating a military coup in last fall and handed more than a 27-year term in incarceration, but he was staying under confinement pending appeals.

Top Judicial Official Justice Moraes said the move to detain the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after fresh information were revealed.

This included attempting to break his tracking device and a call for a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a potential flight.

Court Filing Details Flight Fears

In a document approving the arrest, Justice Moraes said data from the unit overseeing his home detention suggested the former leader's "intention to break the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his flight.

This, it said, would be assisted by the disorder caused by the gathering called by his offspring.

His child, his son Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a gathering of his followers near Bolsonaro's home to take place on the weekend.

His son wrote on social media on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your country, or see it all from your mobile device there on your sofa? I invite you to struggle 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 nation."

Embassy Asylum Concerns

Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of Bolsonaro's move to diplomatic missions near the dwelling, considering that the probes revealed a background of arranging to ask for protection through a consular facility", a announcement said.

The judicial paperwork underscores that the United States embassy in the national capital, Brazil's capital, is situated around 8 miles from Bolsonaro's home.

Global Responses

Bolsonaro's legal woes have generated frustration from fellow right-wing populist American leader President Trump, prompting him to impose a half-rate duty on imports of Brazilian goods.

Bolsonaro is being held in a federal law enforcement building in the capital and will experience a custody hearing on Sunday.

Latest Court Petitions

It was only on the previous day that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the Top Court to authorize him to complete his entire prison term under domestic detention, with tracking devices.

They also petitioned that Bolsonaro be permitted to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he required regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other health problems.

Context of Sentencing

He was determined responsible of orchestrating a plot aimed at retaining his authority after he was defeated in the national vote to his political opponent, President Lula.

High Court judges said that he was aware of a plan which encompassed plans to kill his opponent and his VP candidate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the Supreme Court justice who has been managing his judicial proceedings.

The conspiracy was stopped because it didn't receive the endorsement of the military leaders. His successor was inaugurated without incident on 1 January 2023.

But a seven days after, on 8 January, many his followers stormed and vandalised official structures in the federal district, the capital city.

The police intervened and around fifteen hundred individuals were taken into custody.

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

At the time, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the decades-long sentence extremely harsh.

He was also banned from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years later after the completion of his term.

The one-time head of state called the trial a political persecution and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the next presidential race.