Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro was detained on Saturday and taken to the federal police headquarters in Brasília. This came two months after the Supreme Court found him guilty of trying to overturn the 2022 election results through a coup attempt.
Background on the Sentencing
In September, Bolsonaro received a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison for his role in the failed effort to stop Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming office. However, his spokesperson, Fabio Wajngarten, explained that the latest detention was not linked to enforcing this sentence. Instead, he described it as a preventive action.
Bolsonaro had been living under house arrest since August. Over the weekend, authorities transferred him from his home to police custody, according to his legal team.
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Bolsonaro’s Lawyer Reacts
His lawyer, Celso Vilardi, confirmed to AFP that the former president had been taken into custody. Vilardi stated, “He has been imprisoned, but I don’t know why.” He repeated the same concern again to the news agency, saying, “He has been imprisoned, but I don’t know why.”
Although Bolsonaro was convicted in September over the alleged coup plot, he has not yet started serving the sentence. This delay is due to ongoing legal appeals and challenges. Reports suggest that Saturday’s detention is not directly tied to the earlier ruling.
Supporters Organise Protests
Bolsonaro’s supporters prepared for a nighttime demonstration outside the upscale apartment complex where he had been confined under house arrest. His son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, called on followers to join the protest. In a video posted on social media, he asked supporters, “Are you going to fight for your country or are you going to watch everything on your mobile phone while sitting at home on your sofa? Come and fight with us.”
In recent days, speculation grew that Bolsonaro could be moved to Papuda, a high-security prison in Brasília. This possibility caused frustration and anger among his political allies.
Positive Response from Lula’s Camp
Supporters of President Lula welcomed the news of Bolsonaro’s detention. Workers’ Party MP Reimont Otoni said, “The message to Brazil, and to the world, is that crime doesn’t pay.” He noted that the alleged coup plan even included a plot to assassinate President Lula.
