Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has said he damaged his ankle monitor because medication-induced paranoia convinced him the device was secretly recording him.
His explanation came during a Sunday custody hearing, a day after police arrested him at his home. Security officials detected tampering with the device, believing he might be preparing to flee to a foreign embassy.
Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August after being convicted by the Supreme Court for orchestrating a failed coup attempt. His 27-year prison term was expected to begin soon.
At the hearing, Bolsonaro said he had recently begun taking a strong painkiller and an antidepressant, which he claimed triggered a psychotic episode. Under this delusion, he attempted to open the device using a soldering iron.
Analysts questioned his claim, pointing to earlier footage where Bolsonaro said he acted “out of curiosity.” His former international allies also offered mild reactions, suggesting declining support.
Bolsonaro Claims Medication Caused Him to Think Monitor Was a Spy Device
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