Bolsonaro's 'Curiosity' Raises Fears of Escape: Brazil Ex-Leader Tampered with Ankle Monitor

Image Source: Internet

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has admitted to damaging his court-mandated ankle monitor, citing 'curiosity' as the reason. The incident has sparked concerns that he may be planning to flee house arrest while appealing his conviction for attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. A video released by the Supreme Court shows Bolsonaro using a soldering iron to damage the electronic bracelet, which remains attached to his ankle despite the damage. The former president, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has been under house arrest since August and is confined to a luxury condominium in Brasília. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in a failed plot to prevent leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has warned that the former president's actions coincide with a planned vigil outside the condominium, organized by his eldest son, Flavio Bolsonaro. The judge has expressed concerns that the gathering could create an environment conducive to Bolsonaro's escape, and has given his legal team 24 hours to explain what happened. Flavio Bolsonaro has criticized the court's actions, suggesting that any harm to his father would be the responsibility of the judge. The incident has raised concerns about Bolsonaro's intentions, particularly given his close proximity to the US Embassy and his ties with former US president Donald Trump. The case has been highly politicized, with Trump labeling it a 'witch hunt' and imposing tariffs and sanctions on Brazil in response to the conviction.