Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro taken into preventative custody
By Easton Martin | November 22, 2025
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was taken into preventive custody early Saturday morning after federal police executed a Supreme Court order citing concerns that he might flee or mobilize supporters in a way that threatened public order. The arrest comes only days before Bolsonaro was scheduled to begin serving a prison sentence of more than twenty seven years.
The order was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Authorities claimed that Bolsonaro’s electronic ankle monitor had shown signs of tampering, and intelligence officials asserted that a planned vigil by his supporters outside his Brasília residence could create unrest or interfere with enforcement actions. Police officials stated that the operation instructed officers to respect Bolsonaro’s dignity throughout the process. He was not handcuffed, and he was shielded from the media as he was transported to the Federal Police headquarters.
Bolsonaro’s conviction was handed down in September by a five justice panel of the Supreme Court. He was found guilty of leading a criminal organization, attempting to abolish democratic rule, planning acts of political violence, and participating in a plot to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The panel unanimously rejected his most recent appeal earlier this month, leaving the full sentence intact.
Bolsonaro’s defense team condemned the arrest and argued that the vigil outside his home was intended to be peaceful and religious in nature. They also expressed concern for his health, noting lingering complications from the stabbing he suffered during his 2018 presidential campaign. His lawyers said they intend to file new motions seeking house arrest based on medical grounds.
The former president has maintained a significant base of support, and his detention is expected to deepen political tensions in Brazil.
Bolsonaro will remain in custody while the Supreme Court prepares additional rulings related to his sentence and confinement conditions.
