Bolsonaro Claims ‘Hallucinations’ Led to Violation of Ankle Monitor

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been arrested following a violation of his ankle monitoring device. On his first full day in custody, Bolsonaro explained to a judge that he experienced a nervous breakdown and hallucinations caused by a recent change in his medication, which led to his actions. The arrest occurred on September 30, 2023, after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes deemed Bolsonaro a flight risk.

Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison earlier in September for his role in attempting to stage a coup following his electoral defeat in 2022 to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. During a court session, Assistant Judge Luciana Sorrentino reported that Bolsonaro expressed concerns about the monitoring device, claiming he believed it may have been tampered with. He attempted to remove it due to these perceived hallucinations.

According to the official court document, Bolsonaro stated, “He did not remember having a breakdown of this magnitude on another occasion,” attributing his condition to the recent adjustment in his medication regimen. He denied any intention to escape custody, although he admitted to feeling a sense of paranoia and curiosity that led him to tamper with the ankle monitor late at night.

Justice de Moraes received notification that Bolsonaro’s ankle monitor had been violated at 12:08 a.m. on Saturday. Following this, the decision to arrest him was made just hours later. A panel from Brazil’s Supreme Court had previously ruled that Bolsonaro attempted to maintain power unlawfully after losing the election to Lula.

The procedural meeting on Sunday allowed Bolsonaro’s legal team to argue for his continued house arrest, citing health concerns. However, de Moraes had previously rejected similar requests. The panel is set to vote on the preemptive arrest order on Monday.

Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, was permitted to visit him in custody. She was absent from Brasilia when federal police detained her husband. Meanwhile, Lula addressed reporters at the Group of 20 (G20) meeting in South Africa, stating, “The court ruled, that’s decided. Everyone knows what he did.”

Outside the federal police headquarters, protests unfolded with supporters of Bolsonaro demanding the removal of Lula and de Moraes, while opponents celebrated the former president’s incarceration. The situation continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress, reflecting the intense political climate in Brazil.