Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after authorities found he posed a definite escape threat while under house arrest.
The ex-president was convicted of plotting a military coup in last fall and sentenced more than over two decades in prison, but he was staying under confinement pending legal challenges.
High Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes said the decision to arrest the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after recent developments emerged.
This included trying to remove his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could "allow for a chance to flee".
Judicial Records Show Escape Risks
In a document approving the detention, the judge said information from the facility tracking the former president's confinement suggested the ex-president's plan to remove the electronic ankle bracelet to secure accomplishment in his getaway".
This, it said, would be assisted by the chaos caused by the demonstration called by his son.
His child, Flávio, who works as a congressional representative, called for a gathering of his supporters near the former president's residence to take place on Saturday night.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on online platforms on last Friday: Do you plan to struggle for your homeland, or observe everything from your mobile device there on your couch? I urge you to battle with us."
He said the gathering would be so backers could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our land."
Diplomatic Refuge Fears
Part of the judge's decision was the possibility of Bolsonaro's transfer to embassies near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a background of planning to request asylum through a consular facility", a statement said.
The legal document highlights that the United States embassy in the national capital, Brasilia, is located around 13km from Bolsonaro's home.
International Reactions
The former president's legal troubles have generated frustration from fellow conservative nationalist US President President Trump, causing him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.
The former president is being detained in a Federal Police station in the capital and will have a custody hearing on the following day.
Latest Court Petitions
It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to allow him to serve his whole jail sentence under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.
They also petitioned that he be allowed to exit his dwelling for medical treatment, saying he required ongoing care for respiratory ailments and other health problems.
Context of Sentencing
The former president was found guilty of leading a conspiracy aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the presidential race to his left-wing rival, Lula.
High Court judges said that he was aware of a plan which included plans to assassinate his opponent and his running partner, Geraldo Alckmin, and to imprison and murder Alexandre de Moraes - the High Court judge who has been presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.
The plot was thwarted because it failed to get the support of the military leaders. His successor was took office without problem on the first day of 2023.
But a seven days after, on 8 January, thousands of his backers attacked and damaged public facilities in the national capital, Brasília.
The security forces intervened and around approximately 1,500 persons were detained.
The justices found that the rioters had been encouraged by him whose plan, they said, was for the national armed forces to take action, restore order and bring him back to power.
At the period, the legal team called the 27 years and three months sentence "absurdly excessive.
He was also banned from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.
The former president called the court case a "witch hunt and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the 2026 national vote.
