Jair Bolsonaro claimed that a strong painkiller, combined with an antidepressant, triggered a “psychotic attack” that led him to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor. He testified in a custody hearing that the medication mix caused hallucinations and paranoia, making him believe the device was secretly recording him.
The former president was arrested after federal police detected interference with the tracking equipment, suspecting he was preparing to flee Brazil for a foreign embassy to avoid his 27-year sentence for a failed coup. Bolsonaro firmly denied any intention to escape.
Skepticism among political analysts is high, especially since the excuse directly contradicts his prior statement that he damaged the monitor merely “out of curiosity.” The complex medical defense is viewed as a highly convenient explanation for his actions.
