Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities determined he posed a serious risk of fleeing while under home confinement.
The ex-president was found guilty of orchestrating a military coup in last fall and handed more than a 27-year term in prison, but he was staying under home detention pending appeals.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the move to detain the 70-year-old politician was a precautionary step after recent developments emerged.
This involved seeking to disable his electronic bracelet and a call for a supporters' gathering that could facilitate a chance to flee".
Legal Document Reveals Flight Fears
In a filing authorising the arrest, Justice Moraes said information from the facility tracking Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the former leader's plan to remove the surveillance device to secure accomplishment in his escape.
This, it said, would be assisted by the chaos caused by the gathering called by his child.
His offspring, Flávio, who serves as a senator, called for a gathering of his supporters near his father's house to take place on Saturday evening.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on digital networks on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your nation, or see it all from your mobile device there on your settee? I urge you to battle with us."
He said the vigil would be so backers could "pray for his well-being and for the reestablishment of democratic governance in our land."
Diplomatic Refuge Fears
Part of Justice Moraes's decision was the chance of his move to embassies near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a history of arranging to seek refuge through a diplomatic representation", a declaration said.
The court filing highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the capital, Brazil's capital, is situated around 13km from the former president's residence.
Worldwide Consequences
Bolsonaro's legal woes have provoked anger from fellow right-wing populist United States President Donald Trump, leading him to implement a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.
He is being kept in a national police facility in Brazil's capital city and will experience a custody hearing on the following day.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to permit him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with digital surveillance.
They also petitioned that Bolsonaro be permitted to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he needed frequent medical attention for lung conditions and other ailments.
Details of Guilty Verdict
He was found guilty of heading a plot aimed at retaining his authority after he failed to win the 2022 election to his political opponent, President Lula.
Supreme Court justices said that he had knowledge of a plot which encompassed plans to murder Lula and his VP candidate, his vice-presidential candidate, and to arrest and execute Justice Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been managing the former president's case.
The conspiracy was stopped because it didn't receive the endorsement of the military leaders. Lula was sworn in without problem on January 1st, 2023.
But a week later, on 8 January, many his followers invaded and destroyed public facilities in the federal district, Brasília.
The security forces took action and around 1,500 people were taken into custody.
The justices found that the rioters had been provoked by him whose plan, they said, was for the country's army to step in, restore order and reinstate his authority.
At the time, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence "absurdly excessive.
He was also barred from running for public office until twenty-sixty - eight years after the end of his sentence.
The one-time head of state called the trial a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him participating in the 2026 presidential election.
