Jair Bolsonaro Arrested: Medication-Induced Paranoia or Strategic Move?
Published 23 November 2025
Highlights
- Jair Bolsonaro, former Brazilian president, was arrested after tampering with his ankle monitor, citing a "psychotic attack" induced by medication.
- Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence for orchestrating a failed coup attempt after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- The Brazilian Supreme Court found Bolsonaro guilty of plotting to assassinate political rivals and inciting riots.
- Bolsonaro's arrest followed suspicions he planned to flee to a foreign embassy, prompting his detention in Brasília.
- US President Donald Trump initially supported Bolsonaro but has since reduced tariffs on Brazilian goods, signaling waning support.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, has been detained following an incident involving his electronic ankle monitor. Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for his role in a failed coup attempt, claimed that a "psychotic attack" caused by medication led him to tamper with the device. This development comes amid heightened tensions in Brazil's political landscape.
The Incident and Arrest
Bolsonaro, 70, was taken into custody after authorities discovered his ankle monitor had been damaged. During a custody hearing in Brasília, he admitted to using a soldering iron on the device, attributing his actions to paranoia induced by a powerful analgesic and an antidepressant. Bolsonaro stated he believed the monitor was bugged, leading to his attempt to dismantle it. However, he denied any intention to flee, despite suspicions he planned to seek refuge in a foreign embassy.
Legal Troubles and Coup Conviction
In September, the Brazilian Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for masterminding a coup plot following his 2022 electoral defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The court found him guilty of conspiring to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential candidate, Geraldo Alckmin, and inciting riots that led to the arrest of approximately 1,500 of his supporters. Bolsonaro has been barred from running for public office until 2060.
International Reactions and Trump’s Waning Support
Bolsonaro's legal challenges have drawn international attention, particularly from former US President Donald Trump, who initially supported Bolsonaro by imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods. However, after a meeting with Lula at the UN, Trump rolled back these tariffs, signaling a shift in his stance. Trump's recent response to Bolsonaro's arrest was notably subdued, indicating a cooling of relations between the two right-wing leaders.
What this might mean
Bolsonaro's arrest and ongoing legal battles could have significant implications for Brazil's political future. His detention may embolden Lula's administration, potentially stabilizing the political climate. However, Bolsonaro's supporters remain a potent force, and their reaction to his imprisonment could lead to further unrest. Internationally, the cooling of relations with Trump may isolate Bolsonaro further, impacting his influence both domestically and abroad. As Brazil navigates these turbulent times, the country's political landscape remains in a state of flux, with potential ramifications for its democratic institutions and international relations.
