High-Stakes Twist: Bolsonaro Blames Hallucinations in Bid to Explain Monitor Damage

The high-stakes legal saga of Jair Bolsonaro took a bizarre turn when the former president claimed a drug-induced “psychotic attack” was behind his decision to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor. He testified in a custody hearing that the episode convinced him the device was secretly recording him, prompting his attempt to disable it.
Bolsonaro was arrested one day prior by federal police, who acted on suspicions that the interference with his tracking equipment indicated he was preparing to flee to a foreign embassy to escape his 27-year prison sentence for a failed coup. The former president denied any intention of escape.
The dramatic defense is viewed with deep cynicism by political analysts, especially as it contradicts his prior statement that he acted “out of curiosity.” His credibility is the central issue in this latest legal controversy.