To prevent him from escaping

BRASÍLIA, Nov 22 (AFP): Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro was taken from house arrest into police custody on Saturday to prevent him from escaping as he appeals a conviction for a failed coup attempt, the Supreme Court said.

The far-right firebrand was sentenced to 27 years in prison over a plot to stop leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office after 2022 elections.

Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading the trial against Bolsonaro, said his arrest was a preventative measure as he is a "high flight risk", and not the execution of his sentence.

Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, was placed under house arrest in August and has been confined to an upscale condominium in the capital Brasilia, and monitored electronically.

In his ruling, Moraes said that a planned vigil outside the condominium called by the former leader's son Flavio Bolsonaro on Saturday could cause turmoil that would "create an environment conducive to his escape."

The judge said there had been an "attempt to break" Bolsonaro's ankle bracelet just after midnight on Saturday, confirming his plan to "ensure the success of his escape, facilitated by the confusion caused by the demonstration called by his son."

Moraes also highlighted the proximity of Bolsonaro's home to the US embassy, adding the far-right leader had previously planned to flee to the Argentine embassy to request political asylum.

Bolsonaro is an ally of US President Donald Trump, who said his trial was a "witch hunt" and imposed punitive tariffs and sanctions against Brazil in retaliation.

Bolsonaro has been taken to a federal police complex in Brasilia, where prisoners undergo medical examinations before being sent to jail, according to a source close to the case.

Bolsonaro was convicted in September of leading a criminal organization that conspired to ensure his "authoritarian hold on power."

The plot involved a plan to assassinate Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and the Supreme Court judge de Moraes. His detention comes as time is running out for him to be ordered to serve his 27-year jail term.

An appeal of his sentence was rejected last week. On Friday, Bolsonaro's lawyers have said they would file further appeals before a Monday deadline.