Jair Bolsonaro Arrested After Damaging Electronic Ankle Monitor 'Out of Curiosity'
Brazil's far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested at his villa early Saturday morning, allegedly attempting to abscond. The 70-year-old politician had been living under house arrest in the capital, Brasilia, since August, but a preventive arrest warrant was issued due to fears he might attempt to flee to a foreign embassy.
A video released by the Supreme Court shows Bolsonaro admitting to tampering with his electronic ankle monitor using a soldering iron. The device is badly damaged and burned on both sides, yet still attached to his ankle. Authorities suspect that Bolsonaro planned to break the ankle monitor to ensure his escape, aided by the chaos caused by a protest called by his son Flávio Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for masterminding a military coup and was accused of seeking asylum in Argentina. The former president's international allies, including US President Donald Trump, may have played a role in his attempted escape.
The arrest comes after speculation that Bolsonaro would be imprisoned soon. Lula supporters are celebrating the ex-president's apparent capture, with one congressman saying, "The message to Brazil, and to the world, is that crime doesn't pay." Bolsonaro's wife Michelle shared a Bible verse on social media in response to her husband's arrest.
Bolsonaro's lawyers claim they will appeal against the decision, citing their client's fragile health. Meanwhile, progressive congresswoman Talíria Petrone expressed joy among detractors, writing on Twitter: "Brazil smiles. A wonderful day." Film-maker Petra Costa also celebrated Bolsonaro's capture, saying Brazil "succeeded where America failed" in bringing a former president to justice for assaulting democracy.
Brazil's far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested at his villa early Saturday morning, allegedly attempting to abscond. The 70-year-old politician had been living under house arrest in the capital, Brasilia, since August, but a preventive arrest warrant was issued due to fears he might attempt to flee to a foreign embassy.
A video released by the Supreme Court shows Bolsonaro admitting to tampering with his electronic ankle monitor using a soldering iron. The device is badly damaged and burned on both sides, yet still attached to his ankle. Authorities suspect that Bolsonaro planned to break the ankle monitor to ensure his escape, aided by the chaos caused by a protest called by his son Flávio Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for masterminding a military coup and was accused of seeking asylum in Argentina. The former president's international allies, including US President Donald Trump, may have played a role in his attempted escape.
The arrest comes after speculation that Bolsonaro would be imprisoned soon. Lula supporters are celebrating the ex-president's apparent capture, with one congressman saying, "The message to Brazil, and to the world, is that crime doesn't pay." Bolsonaro's wife Michelle shared a Bible verse on social media in response to her husband's arrest.
Bolsonaro's lawyers claim they will appeal against the decision, citing their client's fragile health. Meanwhile, progressive congresswoman Talíria Petrone expressed joy among detractors, writing on Twitter: "Brazil smiles. A wonderful day." Film-maker Petra Costa also celebrated Bolsonaro's capture, saying Brazil "succeeded where America failed" in bringing a former president to justice for assaulting democracy.
. His international friends must have been itching to see him take a fall, and it looks like they helped him out, even if just with some behind-the-scenes nudging 
. It's about time someone held him accountable for his actions - the people were fed up with his brand of politics during his presidency 
. Now we'll get to see what happens when he tries to navigate the prison system - it can't be easy, especially at 70 years old 
.
Bolsonaro trying to solder his way out of prison 
, but it looks like he got "burned" 
by the law! 
[soldering iron emoji: 
️]
... think he thought he could just tamper with the ankle monitor and get away with it 
... loved the response from Talíria Petrone, "Brazil smiles" - it's about time we saw some positivity come out of all this chaos 
... think Lula supporters are gonna keep celebrating, and maybe even get a few more people on their side 
... Petra Costa saying Brazil "succeeded where America failed"... pretty powerful statement 
...
he cant even take care of his own ankle monitor let alone try to escape from prison 
. i mean, who tries to break their own ankle monitor with a soldering iron?! 
sounds like someone needs to get their priorities straight 
. anyway, justice is served and brazil can finally breathe a sigh of relief 
. cant wait to see what his lawyers are going to say next 
meanwhile the people of Brazil are finally getting some closure after all the chaos he caused . lula supporters are celebrating for a reason . this is what happens when you think you're above the law 
. It's almost like he thought he could play both sides against each other and get away scot-free 
. I'm glad to see that Lula supporters are celebrating, and I think it's a great message for the world - crime doesn't pay, especially not when it comes to undermining democracy 
.