Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after authorities determined he posed a concrete flight risk while under domestic detention.
The one-time leader was convicted of planning a government overthrow in last fall and sentenced more than 27 years in jail, but he was staying under house arrest pending court reviews.
High Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a precautionary step after fresh information emerged.
This involved trying to remove his electronic bracelet and a invitation to a demonstration that could "allow for a possible escape.
Judicial Records Show Escape Risks
In a document approving the custody, Justice Moraes said information from the facility tracking his home detention suggested the one-time head of state's aim to disable the electronic ankle bracelet to guarantee victory in his getaway".
This, it said, would be "facilitated by the chaos caused by the protest called by his child.
His offspring, Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a assembly of his followers near his father's house to take place on the weekend.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on last Friday: "Are you going to fight for your country, or see it all from your smartphone there on your sofa? I urge you to fight with us."
He said the demonstration would be so backers could offer prayers for his health and for the restoration of democratic rule in our nation."
Diplomatic Refuge Fears
Part of the judge's ruling was the chance of his transfer to foreign missions near the dwelling, considering that the inquiries revealed a history of planning to seek refuge through a embassy office", a statement said.
The legal document highlights that the US embassy in the national capital, the capital city, is situated around 13km from his dwelling.
International Reactions
His judicial problems have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist United States President President Trump, prompting him to impose a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.
He is being kept in a Federal Police station in Brazil's capital city and will undergo a custody hearing on Sunday.
Recent Legal Requests
It was only on last Friday that the former president's lawyers asked the High Court to allow him to fulfill his full incarceration period under domestic detention, with digital surveillance.
They also requested that Bolsonaro be authorized to exit his dwelling for healthcare, saying he required ongoing care for pulmonary infections and other health problems.
Background on Conviction
Bolsonaro was found guilty of leading a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he was defeated in the national vote to his political opponent, Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he knew of a scheme which involved plans to murder his opponent and his running partner, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute Alexandre de Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been presiding over the former president's case.
The scheme was thwarted because it failed to get the support of the military leaders. The current president was inaugurated without problem on the first day of 2023.
But a following week, on the eighth of January, numerous his backers attacked and damaged official structures in the federal district, Brazil's capital.
The security forces intervened and around approximately 1,500 persons were taken into custody.
The judges found that the rioters had been incited by Bolsonaro whose plan, they said, was for the Brazilian military to step in, reestablish control and bring him back to power.
At the period, the legal team called the over 27-year sentence unreasonably severe".
He was also prohibited from seeking elected position until the year 2060 - eight years later after the conclusion of his imprisonment.
The one-time head of state called the trial a "witch hunt and said it was intended to stop him competing in the 2026 presidential election.
