Jair Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian president convicted of plotting a coup, has blamed medicine-induced paranoia for damage he caused to his ankle monitor - a day after he was removed from house arrest into detention.
At a hearing in Brasília, he admitted trying to open the monitor with a soldering iron on Friday until he came to his senses, court documents show. He stated he had no intention of fleeing.
Officials say the right-wing politician, 70, was taken into custody because he was a flight risk ahead of a supporters' vigil outside his home. He will remain in detention.
In September, Bolsonaro was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for the coup plot.
Bolsonaro is currently being held in a police station in the capital. His legal troubles have even drawn criticism from fellow right-wing populist US President Donald Trump, who responded by imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Bolsonaro's conviction stems from a conspiracy to maintain his power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court found that he was aware of plans including attempts to assassinate Lula and to arrest justices involved in his trial.
Following Bolsonaro's loss, thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings, resulting in widespread arrests. The rioters, incited by Bolsonaro, were attempting to forcibly restore him to power, but the conspiracy did not gain military support.
This series of events has led to Bolsonaro being barred from holding public office until 2060, marking a significant downfall for the former leader who described the proceedings against him as a witch hunt aimed at preventing his participation in upcoming elections.
At a hearing in Brasília, he admitted trying to open the monitor with a soldering iron on Friday until he came to his senses, court documents show. He stated he had no intention of fleeing.
Officials say the right-wing politician, 70, was taken into custody because he was a flight risk ahead of a supporters' vigil outside his home. He will remain in detention.
In September, Bolsonaro was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for the coup plot.
Bolsonaro is currently being held in a police station in the capital. His legal troubles have even drawn criticism from fellow right-wing populist US President Donald Trump, who responded by imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Bolsonaro's conviction stems from a conspiracy to maintain his power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court found that he was aware of plans including attempts to assassinate Lula and to arrest justices involved in his trial.
Following Bolsonaro's loss, thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings, resulting in widespread arrests. The rioters, incited by Bolsonaro, were attempting to forcibly restore him to power, but the conspiracy did not gain military support.
This series of events has led to Bolsonaro being barred from holding public office until 2060, marking a significant downfall for the former leader who described the proceedings against him as a witch hunt aimed at preventing his participation in upcoming elections.
