Bolsonaro Blames Hallucinations for Ankle Monitor Violation and Subsequent Arrest

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in jail. He was arrested on Saturday after tampering with his ankle monitor. The incident occurred at his home in Brasilia.

Bolsonaro told a judge the violation was caused by a nervous breakdown. He claimed hallucinations led him to believe the device contained a wiretap. The Supreme Court considered him a flight risk.

Judge Details Bolsonaro’s Explanation for Monitor Tampering

According to Supreme Court documents, Bolsonaro met with an assistant judge on Sunday. He described experiencing severe paranoia. He speculated a recent change in his medication was the cause.

The former president stated he did not remember a previous breakdown of this magnitude. He claimed he tampered with the device late at night. His family members and an aide reportedly did not see him do it.

Legal Repercussions and Political Fallout Intensify

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the preemptive arrest. This happened hours after the monitor was violated at 12:08 a.m. Saturday. Bolsonaro was already sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup.

The court panel will vote on the arrest order Monday. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva commented on the jailing at a G20 meeting. He stated the court had ruled and everyone knows what Bolsonaro did.

The arrest of Jair Bolsonaro marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political landscape. His legal troubles continue to unfold dramatically. The former leader’s claim of hallucinations adds a new layer to this ongoing story.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was Jair Bolsonaro originally under house arrest?

He was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. This was following his electoral defeat in 2022. He was under house arrest pending further legal proceedings.

What did Bolsonaro claim caused his hallucinations?

He suggested a recent change in his medication was the cause. He reported not sleeping well and feeling intense paranoia. This led him to investigate the ankle monitor.

Who ordered Bolsonaro’s arrest?

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order. The justice deemed Bolsonaro a flight risk after the monitor was tampered with. The arrest was carried out on Saturday.

How has the public reacted to his imprisonment?

Supporters protested outside the police headquarters. They held banners against Lula and de Moraes. Detractors of the former president celebrated the jailing.

What is the status of his legal case now?

The same Supreme Court panel will vote on the preemptive arrest order. This vote is scheduled for Monday. His lawyers have argued for house arrest due to health concerns.