Brazilian court orders preemptive arrest of former president Jair Bolsonaro • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts:

• Jair Bolsonaro's criminal trial
• High flight risk
• Electronic leg bracelet
• Absconding
• Argentine embassy
• US embassy
• Political asylum
• Donald Trump
• Tariffs
• Sanctions
• Prosecuting judge Alexander de Moraes
• 27-year jail term
• Supreme Court
• Appeal against jail sentence
• Medical unfitness for jail
• Stab wound complications
• Skin cancer
• Hiccups
• House arrest
• Plea deal
• Popularity in Brazil
• Upcoming elections
• Support base
• Population division

Jair Bolsonaro's Criminal Trial and Custody

The former president, Jair Bolsonaro, was taken into police custody at 6:00 a.m. local time. This action was initiated by the prosecuting judge, Alexander de Moraes, who aims to prevent Bolsonaro from absconding. There were concerns that Bolsonaro might attempt to remove his electronic leg bracelet, which is used to monitor his location. However, Bolsonaro's family has stated that the bracelet is functioning correctly and that he was not trying to remove it.

Fears of Absconding and Potential Destinations

Further concerns were raised about Bolsonaro potentially using a protest march, organized by his son Flavio for that evening, as an opportunity to abscond. The fear is that he might attempt to reach either the Argentine embassy or, more likely, the US embassy to seek political asylum.

US Involvement and Sanctions

The potential seeking of asylum at the US embassy is linked to Bolsonaro's perceived backing by former US President Donald Trump. Trump had previously imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, though most were removed the week prior. Additionally, Trump had imposed sanctions against the prosecuting judge, Alexander de Moraes, prohibiting him from holding US bank accounts and sanctioning both him and his wife. These actions by Trump may have contributed to Judge de Moraes's decision to take Bolsonaro into custody.

Legal Proceedings and Sentence

Bolsonaro is facing a 27-year jail term, handed down in August by a 4:1 majority decision in the Supreme Court. The judge's move to take him into custody is seen as a measure to ensure he serves his sentence and does not attempt to flee the country.

Bolsonaro's Defense and Medical Condition

Bolsonaro's lawyers are planning to appeal his incarceration. Their primary argument is that Bolsonaro is medically unfit to serve time in jail. They cite his past stabbing during his election campaign, which left him with lingering side effects from the stomach wound, as well as reported skin cancer and periodic severe bouts of hiccups. They are requesting that he be placed under house arrest instead.

Challenges to Legal Appeals and Plea Deals

Despite attempts by his lawyers to negotiate a deal to keep him under house arrest, these efforts have thus far been unsuccessful. Another attempt is scheduled for Monday, where his lawyers will present a plea deal to the Supreme Court, seeking to avoid the 27-year sentence. However, there is little optimism for success, as Judge Alexander de Moraes, who has clearly indicated his desire for Bolsonaro to go to prison, will be overseeing the proceedings.

Bolsonaro's Continued Popularity and Political Impact

Despite no longer being president and facing imprisonment, Jair Bolsonaro remains a popular figure in Brazil. Latest opinion polls suggest that if he were to run in the upcoming elections, he would perform very well, indicating a strong and persistent support base. This situation is likely to further divide the Brazilian population between his supporters and those who believe his imprisonment is justified.