Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro claimed that a mix of a strong painkiller and his antidepressant medication led to a “psychotic attack” that caused him to damage his electronic ankle monitor. He testified that the episode included paranoia and hallucinations, convincing him the device was a secret recording tool.
Bolsonaro offered this defense after his arrest by federal police, who suspected the monitor tampering was part of a plan to flee to a foreign embassy to escape his 27-year prison sentence for a failed coup. The former president vehemently denied any intention of escaping justice.
Political analysts view the sudden, dramatic medical excuse with considerable suspicion, noting its complete contradiction of his earlier statement that he acted “out of curiosity.” He admitted to using a soldering iron on the device during the alleged delusional episode.