The arrest of Jair Bolsonaro and his bizarre claim of a drug-induced “psychotic attack” have drawn intense international scrutiny. The former Brazilian President was detained after federal police suspected he tampered with his electronic ankle monitor to prepare for an escape to a foreign embassy to evade his 27-year prison sentence.
In a custody hearing, Bolsonaro denied any escape plan, testifying that the episode, caused by a combination of a painkiller and an antidepressant, convinced him the monitor was secretly recording him. He admitted to using a soldering iron on the device.
The sincerity of his defense is questioned by political analysts, who recall his earlier, simpler claim of acting “out of curiosity.” His legal battle continues to make international headlines.