The former president of Brazil found himself facing a stark reality on his first full day of imprisonment. Jair Bolsonaro explained to a judge that his tampering with the court-ordered ankle monitor stemmed from a disturbing episode of hallucinations and a nervous breakdown, triggered by a recent medication change.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered Bolsonaro’s preemptive detention just hours before, citing a significant flight risk. This action followed a 27-year prison sentence handed down in September, a consequence of accusations that he attempted a coup to unlawfully retain power after his 2022 election defeat.
According to assistant judge Luciana Sorrentino, Bolsonaro described experiencing “hallucinations” – a belief that his ankle monitor was being used for surveillance. Driven by this fear, he attempted to dismantle the device, searching for hidden wiring.
Bolsonaro insisted he had no recollection of a breakdown of this severity and speculated the change in his medication last week was the catalyst. He vehemently denied any intention of escaping custody, portraying his actions as a desperate attempt to understand a perceived threat.
The former leader confessed to sleepless nights and a growing sense of paranoia, fueling his curiosity about the inner workings of the monitor. This unsettling state of mind, he claimed, led him to investigate the device late into the night.
He stated he was with family and an aide during the incident, and none of them witnessed his actions. He reportedly began examining the monitor late at night and continued until around midnight, unaware of the implications.
The violation of the ankle monitor was detected at 12:08 a.m. on Saturday, prompting the swift arrest order. This incident escalated a situation already fraught with political tension and legal challenges.
Brazil’s Supreme Court had previously determined that Bolsonaro actively sought to undermine the democratic process and cling to the presidency following his loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022. The court is scheduled to review the arrest order on Monday.
Sunday’s meeting with the assistant judge was a procedural step to assess the legality of his imprisonment, but also served as another platform for his legal team to argue for a return to house arrest, citing his deteriorating health. Previous requests of this nature had been denied by Justice de Moraes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Bolsonaro was granted permission to receive a visit from his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, who was away from Brasilia when her husband was taken into custody. The gesture offered a small measure of solace amidst the unfolding crisis.
President Lula, attending the G20 summit in South Africa, addressed the situation briefly, stating that the court had made its decision and that Bolsonaro’s actions were well-known. His comments underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the legal process.
The news of Bolsonaro’s imprisonment sparked contrasting reactions outside the federal police headquarters. Supporters rallied, demanding the removal of Lula and Justice de Moraes, while opponents celebrated the outcome, viewing it as a victory for democracy.
