Escape plot lands Brazil’s ex-president in custody

For more than 100 days, Bolsonaro has been under house arrest for violating precautionary measures in a separate case over allegedly courting US interference to halt the criminal case against him

- REUTERS

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was taken into federal police custody Saturday before a planned supporters' vigil near his home, ending months of house arrest as he appeals a Supreme Court conviction for plotting a coup.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the detention in a court decision, seen by Reuters, citing the risk of encamped supporters hampering police monitoring of Bolsonaro's house arrest. He also noted evidence of tampering with the ex-president's ankle monitor the night before.

Bolsonaro's lawyers confirmed the detention, citing the planned vigil as the main reason for Moraes' decision and noting they plan to file an "appropriate appeal". A federal police representative said Bolsonaro underwent custody intake examinations in Brasilia early Saturday.