Sun Nov 23 20:24:08 UTC 2025: News Article:
Bolsonaro Claims “Hallucinations” Led to Ankle Monitor Tampering; Remains in Custody
Rio de Janeiro – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in custody after admitting to using a soldering iron on his ankle monitor. Bolsonaro claimed the incident was triggered by “hallucinations” and paranoia caused by a change in his medication.
Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest while appealing his conviction for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results, was taken into custody Saturday after police detected a violation of his ankle monitor. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the arrest order after receiving notification of the breach.
In a custody hearing Sunday, Bolsonaro told a judge that a mix of medications prescribed by different doctors, one of which he had only started taking four days prior, led to the episode. According to court documents, Bolsonaro stated he “hallucinated” that the ankle monitor was bugged and attempted to uncover the alleged wiretap before “coming to his senses” and informing his custodians. He denies any intention of fleeing the country.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers used the hearing as an opportunity to argue for his continued house arrest, citing his poor health. However, Justice de Moraes has previously rejected similar requests.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to over 27 years in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court in September for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court panel will vote Monday on the pre-emptive arrest order.
President Lula addressed the situation during a G20 meeting in South Africa, stating, “The court ruled, that’s decided. Everyone knows what he did.”
First Piper 