Bolsonaro Says He Thought Monitor Was Bugged During Medication Episode

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro claimed in a custody hearing that he damaged his ankle monitor during a medication-induced moment of paranoia in which he believed the device was spying on him.
The arrest came after a midnight alert that the device had been tampered with. Officials quickly feared an escape to an embassy might be imminent and ordered his detention.
Bolsonaro has been living under house arrest since his conviction for organizing a failed coup. His 27-year sentence was expected to begin soon, heightening concern over unusual activity.
During his testimony, Bolsonaro said a combination of a painkiller and an antidepressant caused hallucinations. Acting under this delusion, he attempted to dismantle the tracking device.
Many commentators doubted his justification, pointing to a video in which he said he acted out of curiosity. International support also appears to be waning, with muted reactions to his arrest.