Bolsonaro Claims Medication Triggered ‘Paranoia’ Behind Device Tampering

Brazil’s former leader Jair Bolsonaro has told the court that a medication-induced episode made him believe his ankle monitor was bugged, leading him to tamper with it.
His comments came a day after authorities arrested him at his home in Brasília. A security alert had indicated damage to the device, prompting fears he was preparing to flee.
Bolsonaro has been confined to his home since his conviction for engineering a failed coup attempt. With his 27-year sentence approaching enforcement, any deviation triggered intense scrutiny.
During the hearing, he said he had been prescribed a painkiller and an antidepressant. He claimed the medications triggered hallucinations that led him to use a soldering iron on the device.
Political critics questioned the explanation, citing earlier video evidence where he said he acted “out of curiosity.” International allies offered limited reaction, signaling a shift in political support.