Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after being deemed a “concrete flight risk” while under house arrest. Bolsonaro, who was convicted in September for orchestrating a military coup, had been serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest pending appeals. However, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered his detention following the emergence of “new facts,” including attempts to tamper with his ankle monitor and calls for a public vigil that could facilitate his escape. Justice Moraes cited evidence suggesting Bolsonaro’s intention to break his electronic monitoring device, potentially aided by a demonstration organized by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The vigil, scheduled for Saturday night, was framed as a gathering to “pray for his health and the return of democracy.” Moraes also highlighted concerns that Bolsonaro might seek asylum at a nearby embassy, with the U.S. embassy in Brasília located just 13 kilometers from his residence. Bolsonaro’s legal troubles have drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports in response. Bolsonaro is currently held at a Federal Police station in Brasília and will face a custody hearing on Sunday. His lawyers had previously requested that he serve his entire sentence under house arrest, citing medical needs, including treatment for pulmonary infections. Bolsonaro was convicted of conspiring to retain power after losing the 2022 election to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The plot included plans to assassinate Lula and his running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to execute Justice Moraes. The conspiracy was foiled due to lack of military support, and Lula was inaugurated without incident on January 1, 2023. However, a week later, Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to 1,500 arrests. Bolsonaro has dismissed his trial as a “witch hunt” aimed at preventing his 2026 presidential bid.