Jair Bolsonaro Arrested in Brazil Amid Concerns He May Flee to Avoid Prison

Former president taken into custody just days before a court is set to order the start of a 27‑year sentence for an alleged coup attempt

Brasília, Brazil – Federal authorities apprehended former President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday, sparking a wave of political tension across the country. The arrest comes only a few days before a judge is expected to sign a ruling that will require Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27‑year prison term for his alleged role in a failed coup d’état.

Law enforcement officials said the operation was conducted at Bolsonaro’s residence in the capital’s São Conrado neighborhood. Security forces reported that the former leader was taken into custody without incident and is now being held at a federal detention facility while the legal process moves forward.

Legal analysts warn that Bolsonaro’s supporters have long feared he might attempt to escape the country to avoid incarceration. “There have been rumors of possible flight plans, but today’s decisive action shows the judiciary is determined to prevent any evasion of justice,” said constitutional lawyer Mariana Duarte.

The upcoming sentencing is linked to the 2022 incident in which Bolsonaro allegedly coordinated a plot to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions. If the court’s order is confirmed, the former president will be required to serve the full term, marking one of the longest sentences ever handed to a former head of state in Latin America.

International observers are closely watching the case. The United Nations’ human‑rights office issued a statement urging Brazil to ensure a fair and transparent trial, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting due process.

Bolsonaro’s legal team has pledged to appeal the decision, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. “We will fight every step of the way to protect the rights of our client and the democratic fabric of Brazil,” said his attorney Rafael Silva.

As the nation awaits the court’s final ruling, the arrest has intensified debates about accountability, the rule of law, and the future of Brazil’s political landscape.