Bolsonaro Blames Medication Mix-Up for Ankle Monitor Tampering as Detention Continues

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told a judge on Sunday that a mix of prescribed anticonvulsant medications caused paranoia and hallucinations that led him to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor. His statement came a day after police detained him over concerns he was preparing to flee while awaiting the outcome of his final appeals related to his coup-plotting conviction.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro’s detention after more than 100 days of house arrest, citing a potential escape risk. During a 30-minute custody hearing, Bolsonaro denied any attempt to flee or remove the tracking device. He said the medication he takes for chronic hiccups left him convinced the monitor contained hidden listening equipment. According to court documents, he admitted to briefly using a soldering iron on the device before “coming to his senses” and alerting officers.

The judge overseeing the hearing decided Bolsonaro should remain in federal police custody. He is currently held in a 12-square-meter cell in Brasilia equipped with basic amenities. His legal team continues to push for “humanitarian house arrest,” citing his fragile health and long medical history, including ongoing complications from a 2018 stabbing.

Bolsonaro is appealing a Supreme Court decision that sentenced him in September to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to overturn the 2022 election, which he lost to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Supporters gathered outside the police headquarters on Sunday, calling the arrest politically motivated.

International reactions have added to the political tension. U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously criticized Bolsonaro’s prosecution, said he was unaware of the detention but plans to meet with President Lula soon. U.S. officials have expressed concern over Bolsonaro’s treatment, calling it a threat to political stability.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers argue the incident was a result of stress, age, and conflicting medications rather than an attempt to escape, insisting he poses no flight risk.