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Brazil's Supreme Court Keeps Bolsonaro in Preventive Detention Over Ankle Monitor Tampering

Justices said deliberate damage to his ankle monitor signaled a risk of escape.

Overview

  • The Supreme Federal Court's First Chamber voted Monday to maintain Jair Bolsonaro in preventive custody at Federal Police headquarters in Brasilia.
  • Case relator Alexandre de Moraes wrote that Bolsonaro knowingly violated the electronic monitor and pointed to strong indications of a possible escape attempt.
  • Penitentiary surveillance and an inspection video documented burn marks on the device, and Bolsonaro acknowledged using a soldering tool while denying plans to flee.
  • Bolsonaro's lawyers argued a medication‑induced episode of paranoia and sought a return to house arrest, a request the court declined.
  • Bolsonaro was sentenced in September to 27 years for leading an attempt to overturn the 2022 election, and his remaining appeals are proceeding with limited prospects.