Former president Jair Bolsonaro was preventively arrested by Brazil's STF after attempting to damage his electronic ankle monitor with a soldering iron. Minister Alexandre de Moraes cited flight risk and judicial violations as reasons for the detention. The defense contests the measure, claiming a violation of constitutional rights.
Jair Bolsonaro, from PL, admitted in a video to using a soldering iron to attempt to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor, a device imposed as a precautionary measure by Brazil's STF. The incident occurred in the late afternoon of Saturday (22/11/2025), with a violation alert logged at 0:07 a.m. A server from the Federal District's prison administration questioned Bolsonaro, who replied: "I stuck a hot iron there… curiosity" and specified "Soldering iron, solder".
The soldering iron is a common tool for melting metals, used by electricians and locksmiths, available online for less than R$ 30. Composed of a metal tip heated by an internal resistance, it reaches high temperatures for electronics repairs and circuits, according to Maker Hero site description.
Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered preventive arrest, highlighting Bolsonaro's confession and prior violations of judicial orders. In a detailed chronology, Moraes recalled prohibitions from July 17: nighttime house arrest, ankle monitor use, ban on leaving the jurisdiction, approaching embassies, or using social media. Bolsonaro disobeyed on July 21 with an online speech and on August 3 by participating in supporters' acts via networks, displaying U.S. flags.
On August 4, the STF decreed house arrest, barring visits except for lawyers and cell phone use. Recent fact: call by son Flávio Bolsonaro for a "vigil for Bolsonaro's health and Brazil's freedom," evoking coup camps, which Moraes saw as a risk to public order and possible flight to the U.S. embassy.
The defense, by Celso Vilardi and Paulo Bueno, stated the arrest is based on a "prayer vigil" guaranteed by the Constitution, expressing "profound perplexity" and promising appeals. Columnist Conrado Hübner Mendes emphasizes Bolsonaro's constitutional rights in prison: no submission to torture, respect for integrity, family and legal assistance, health and education, treatment like other prisoners for serious crimes.