SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the preemptive arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, just days before he was scheduled to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a coup attempt. The decision was implemented early Saturday morning as Bolsonaro was moved from his house arrest to the federal police headquarters in Brasilia.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes oversaw the ruling and emphasized that Bolsonaro should be treated with dignity during the arrest, insisting that handcuffs and excessive media exposure be avoided. Bolsonaro’s aide Andriely Cirino confirmed the arrest took place around 6 a.m., shortly after de Moraes issued the ruling.

The decision to detain Bolsonaro comes amid growing tensions, particularly in light of a recent video released by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, which encouraged supporters to protest in defense of the former president. De Moraes remarked that the video undermined respect for the constitution and demonstrated an alarming disregard for Brazil’s democratic institutions, highlighting the potential for chaos and conflict.

De Moraes asserted that Brazil’s democracy has matured sufficiently to counteract threats posed by criminal organizations attempting to destabilize the government. He noted the necessity of prosecuting actions that seek to defend those implicated in the coup attempt.

Supporters of Bolsonaro, who vehemently claim he is a victim of political persecution, are expected to gather outside the federal police headquarters over the weekend. This mobilization underscores the polarized political climate surrounding the former leader.

Bolsonaro had been under house arrest since early August following his conviction in the coup trial. His legal team had sought to keep him at home, citing health concerns, but local reports indicate that he would soon be taken into custody to serve his sentence.

The preemptive arrest does not guarantee that Bolsonaro will remain at the federal police facility but adheres to Brazilian law, which mandates that prisoners begin their sentences in actual prison. After losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro, along with a group of allies, was found guilty of attempting to undermine Brazil’s democratic framework. Prosecutors outlined plots that included assassination attempts against Lula and inciting insurrection earlier this year.

In addition to the coup-related charges, Bolsonaro was also convicted for leading an armed criminal organization. While he maintains his innocence, his political future remains uncertain, especially after a separate ruling barred him from running for office until at least 2030. Despite this, polls suggest he would be a formidable candidate if he were eligible in the next election cycle.

Bolsonaro’s relationship with influential figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, adds another layer of complexity to his situation. Trump has publicly criticized the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro as a “witch hunt,” which resonates with a segment of Bolsonaro’s base. Recent actions by the U.S. administration, including tariff adjustments on Brazilian exports, further highlight the international dimensions of Brazil’s ongoing political turmoil.