Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted and sentenced to 27 years for orchestrating a failed coup, was arrested by federal police on suspicion of attempting to flee the country. The former president’s apprehension came after authorities detected clear signs that he had interfered with his electronic tracking device, suggesting preparations were underway for an escape to a foreign embassy.
During a custody hearing, Bolsonaro denied any plan to escape, instead offering a controversial defense for damaging the monitor. He claimed that a potent combination of a painkiller and an antidepressant triggered a “psychotic attack,” leading to hallucinations and the conviction that the device was secretly recording him.
This latest development adds another layer of drama to the former leader’s downfall. Political analysts are highly suspicious of his excuse, noting its dramatic departure from his previous claim that he acted “out of curiosity.” Even his long-time political friend, Donald Trump, offered only a lukewarm public comment.
