Bolsonaro Allegedly Attempted too Tamper with Ankle Monitor, Court Documents Show
BRASILIA, BRAZIL – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro allegedly tried to disable his court-ordered ankle monitor using a soldering iron, according to documents filed with the Supreme Federal Court. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, prompted authorities to tighten security measures and investigate the attempted tampering as a potential escape attempt.
Bolsonaro, convicted of undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions following his 2022 election loss to luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was placed under house arrest in early August. He and several allies were found guilty of attempting to orchestrate a coup to remain in power. The former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing.This latest development comes as Bolsonaro was preparing to begin serving his eight-year sentence, having exhausted his legal appeals. The alleged attempt to circumvent the monitoring system raises questions about his commitment to complying with the court’s orders and could lead to further legal repercussions.
Court documents detail that Bolsonaro attempted to open the ankle monitor’s casing with a soldering iron, potentially disrupting its functionality. Federal police were alerted to the incident and afterward reinforced the security protocols surrounding his confinement. Authorities have not yet commented on whether the device was successfully compromised.
Supporters of Bolsonaro,many of whom believe he is the victim of political persecution,have been demonstrating outside federal police headquarters. Bolsonaro’s lawyers had previously requested he serve his sentence under house arrest, citing health concerns. Local media reported he was expected to begin serving his sentence next week.
The conviction stems from accusations that Bolsonaro and his allies conspired to overturn the election results and remain in power, actions deemed a threat to Brazil’s democracy by a panel of Supreme Court justices. The case has deeply polarized Brazilian society and continues to fuel political tensions.
