-
14:00
-
16:00
-
14:30
-
13:20
-
12:20
-
18:50
-
18:41
-
10:20
-
07:50
Follow us on Facebook
Jair Bolsonaro detained by federal police after months of house arrest
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into federal police custody, as confirmed by his lawyer. This development marks the end of his several months in house arrest while appealing a Supreme Court conviction for undermining Brazil's democracy. His attorney, Celso Vilardi, did not disclose the specific reason for this detention, though sources suggest it relates to conditions associated with his house arrest.
On Saturday morning, a representative from the federal police verified that Bolsonaro was undergoing intake examinations in Brasília. In September, the former right-wing leader received a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison for conspiring to maintain power after losing the 2022 election to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The courts have yet to issue a final arrest order, as Bolsonaro has not completed the appeals process.
For over 100 days, Bolsonaro has been under stringent house arrest due to breaches of precautionary measures in a separate matter involving alleged attempts to solicit U.S. interference in his legal troubles.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who maintained a friendly relationship with Bolsonaro during their respective presidencies, has labeled the case a "witch hunt." In response, he imposed sanctions on Justice Alexandre de Moraes, found to be overseeing the case, along with a 50% tariff on certain Brazilian imports, a measure he has started to retract this month.
While under house arrest, Bolsonaro faced restrictions from using social media but continued to receive visits from political allies. His defense team is expected to request permission for him to serve any potential sentence under house arrest, citing a range of health issues. The former president had previously endured severe health challenges, including a stabbing during his 2018 campaign, leading to multiple hospitalizations and surgeries.