Jair Bolsonaro told a court that a brief but intense psychotic episode caused by medication led him to sabotage the ankle monitor tracking his movements.
Police arrested him early Saturday after detecting that the device had been tampered with. Authorities suspected he intended to seek asylum at a foreign embassy to avoid imprisonment.
Bolsonaro has been held under house arrest since August, following his conviction for leading a coup attempt. With his 27-year sentence looming, the alert sparked swift action from security forces.
During his hearing, Bolsonaro said he had been prescribed a powerful painkiller and an antidepressant. He said these medications triggered hallucinations that made him believe the device was bugged.
Analysts found the explanation unconvincing, referencing earlier footage in which he admitted meddling out of curiosity. International reactions remained subdued as Brazil continued legal proceedings.
Bolsonaro Claims Mental Episode Made Him Damage Monitoring Device
