FORMER Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro claimed he fiddled with his ankle tag due to “hallucinations” and a “nervous breakdown”.

The populist leader, 70, was cuffed on Saturday for allegedly planning to escape house arrest – days before starting a lengthy prison sentence for a coup plot.

Bolsonaro had been under strict house arrest since August but was dramatically thrown behind bars in Brasilia this weekend.

Authorities said it was a preventative measure to stop an escape attempt suspected to have been planned for later that day.

A judge said: “[Bolsonaro] said he had ‘hallucinations’ that there was some wiretap in the ankle monitoring, so he tried to uncover it.”

The ex-leader said he “did not remember having a breakdown of this magnitude on another occasion”.

Bolsonaro Arrested Amid Probe into Attempted Coup

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was arrested Sunday as part of a police inquiry into an alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 election. This dramatic move marks a critically important escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s actions following his defeat to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Police are investigating whether Bolsonaro and his allies orchestrated a plan to incite a coup and illegally remain in power. The probe centers around allegations that Bolsonaro encouraged supporters to stage protests and perhaps take up arms to challenge the election outcome. Evidence suggests a coordinated effort to spread misinformation and undermine faith in the democratic process.

The arrest warrant was issued by Brazil’s Supreme Court, which has been actively investigating the events surrounding the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília. During those riots,Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings,demanding a military intervention.Investigators believe Bolsonaro played a key role in instigating the unrest.

bolsonaro’s lawyers expressed “deep perplexity” over his detention. They maintain his innocence and argue the arrest is politically motivated. They also stated that a planned “prayer vigil” in support of Bolsonaro is protected under Brazil’s constitution, guaranteeing freedom of religious expression.

Prior to his arrest, Bolsonaro reportedly considered seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy in Brasília. Several of his sons and close allies have already fled Brazil, likely to avoid potential prosecution. The courts are actively pursuing those connected to the alleged coup attempt.

The lawyers added: “Despite claiming the ‘existence of very serious evidence of a possible escape,’ the fact is that the former president has always made himself available to justice.” The investigation continues, and Bolsonaro faces potential charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.