Bolsonaro has been detained after authorities concluded he posed a definite escape threat while under home confinement.
The one-time leader was convicted of plotting a military coup in September and handed more than 27 years in incarceration, but he continued under home detention pending court reviews.
High Court Judge Justice Moraes said the action to imprison the 70-year-old politician was a preventative measure after "new facts" emerged.
This encompassed attempting to break his electronic bracelet and a summons to a public vigil that could "allow for a potential flight.
Court Filing Details Escape Concerns
In a filing authorising the arrest, the judge said data from the centre monitoring Bolsonaro's house arrest suggested the ex-president's "intention to break the tracking monitor to ensure success in his escape.
This, it said, would be made easier by the disorder caused by the gathering called by his child.
His offspring, his son Flávio, who works as a legislator, called for a gathering of his backers near his father's house to take place on Saturday night.
Flávio Bolsonaro wrote on social media on the previous day: Do you plan to struggle for your nation, or observe everything from your smartphone there on your settee? I invite you to struggle with us."
He said the vigil would be so followers could "pray for his well-being and for the return of democracy in our land."
Diplomatic Refuge Fears
Part of Justice Moraes's determination was the chance of Bolsonaro's move to diplomatic missions near the residence, considering that the probes revealed a history of organizing to request asylum through a diplomatic representation", a declaration said.
The legal document underscores that the United States embassy in the federal district, the capital city, is located around approximately 13 kilometers from Bolsonaro's home.
International Reactions
Bolsonaro's legal woes have drawn the ire of fellow conservative nationalist American leader President Trump, prompting him to impose a 50% tariff on imports of Brazilian goods.
Bolsonaro is being kept in a federal law enforcement building in Brazil's capital city and will have a detention review on the following day.
Latest Court Petitions
It was only on last Friday that the ex-leader's attorneys asked the High Court to permit him to serve his whole jail sentence under home confinement, with electronic monitoring.
They also petitioned that the former president be authorized to depart his residence for medical treatment, saying he demanded ongoing care for pulmonary infections and other illnesses.
Details of Guilty Verdict
The former president was convicted of orchestrating a conspiracy aimed at maintaining his control after he was defeated in the national vote to his left-wing rival, Lula.
Top judicial officials said that he had knowledge of a plan which included plans to assassinate Lula and his running partner, Alckmin, and to imprison and murder Alexandre de Moraes - the Supreme Court justice who has been managing his judicial proceedings.
The scheme was thwarted because it failed to get the support of the armed forces officials. His successor was inaugurated without problem on the first day of 2023.
But a week later, on 8 January, numerous his backers stormed and vandalised government buildings in the capital, the capital city.
The law enforcement intervened and around approximately 1,500 persons were arrested.
The justices found that the protesters had been incited by him whose scheme, they said, was for the national armed forces to step in, restore order and bring him back to power.
At the period, Bolsonaro's lawyers called the over 27-year sentence extremely harsh.
He was also banned from seeking elected position until 2060 - eight years after the conclusion of his imprisonment.
The former president called the court case a targeted investigation" and said it was aimed at blocking him competing in the 2026 national vote.
