Bolsonaro has been arrested after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under domestic detention.
The ex-president was convicted of plotting a armed takeover in September and given more than 27 years in prison, but he continued under home detention pending appeals.
Top Judicial Official Alexandre de Moraes said the action to imprison the elderly politician was a preventative measure after recent developments were revealed.
This included attempting to break his tracking device and a invitation to a supporters' gathering that could enable a possible escape.
Court Filing Details Flight Fears
In a filing authorising the custody, the magistrate said data from the unit overseeing Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the former leader's "intention to break the surveillance device to guarantee victory in his escape.
This, it said, would be assisted by the confusion caused by the protest called by his son.
His son, Flávio, who serves as a legislator, called for a assembly of his backers near the former president's residence to take place on the weekend.
His son wrote on online platforms on Friday: Will you battle for your country, or observe everything from your phone there on your settee? I invite you to battle with us."
He said the vigil would be so supporters could seek divine intervention for his well-being and for the restoration of democratic rule in our country."
Diplomatic Refuge Fears
Part of the judge's determination was the potential of his transfer to embassies near the residence, considering that the investigations revealed a history of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a announcement said.
The legal document highlights that the American diplomatic mission in the national capital, the capital city, is positioned around 13km from the former president's residence.
Worldwide Consequences
The former president's legal troubles have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist US President President Trump, leading him to enact a 50% tariff on goods coming from Brazil.
Bolsonaro is being kept in a Federal Police station in the capital and will undergo a imprisonment assessment on the next day.
Latest Court Petitions
It was only on the previous day that the his legal team asked the Supreme Court to allow him to complete his entire prison term under house arrest, with digital surveillance.
They also requested that Bolsonaro be authorized to exit his dwelling for medical care, saying he required regular treatment for pulmonary infections and other health problems.
Details of Guilty Verdict
Bolsonaro was determined responsible of orchestrating a plot aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to his ideological adversary, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Top judicial officials said that he knew of a plan which encompassed plans to murder the current president and his vice-presidential running mate, Alckmin, and to arrest and execute the presiding judge - the top judicial official who has been managing his judicial proceedings.
The conspiracy was stopped because it couldn't obtain the endorsement of the armed forces officials. Lula was took office without incident on the first day of 2023.
But a week later, on January 8th, many his followers attacked and damaged official structures in the federal district, Brasília.
The security forces took action and around approximately 1,500 persons were arrested.
The magistrates found that the protesters had been provoked by Bolsonaro whose scheme, they said, was for the Brazilian military to take action, reestablish control and bring him back to power.
At the moment, the legal team called the decades-long sentence "absurdly excessive.
He was also barred from campaigning for office until 2060 - eight years after the completion of his term.
The one-time head of state called the court case a political persecution and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the 2026 national vote.
