STF Orders Bolsonaro’s Preventive Detention on Flight-Risk Grounds

Overview

• Federal Police executed the order at about 6 a.m. in Brasília and took Jair Bolsonaro to the PF headquarters for processing and medical evaluation.
• The decision by Minister Alexandre de Moraes cites a 12:08 a.m. violation of Bolsonaro’s electronic monitor and a vigil called by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro that authorities said could facilitate escape.
• Moraes also referenced the residence’s proximity to Brasília’s embassy district and recent departures from the country by Bolsonaro allies as factors supporting the risk assessment.
• The order converts house arrest into preventive detention and imposes conditions including continuous medical care, prior STF authorization for visits except attorneys and medical staff, a ban on media exposure, and no handcuffs during transfer.
• A custody hearing by videoconference is set for Sunday and the STF’s First Panel will review the order, while Bolsonaro’s 27‑year conviction remains under pending appeals and is not yet being executed.