Political analysts have reacted with profound skepticism to Jair Bolsonaro’s claim that a drug-induced “psychotic attack” caused him to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor. The former Brazilian President testified he was hallucinating that the device was secretly recording him, an explanation he provided during a custody hearing following his arrest.
Federal police detained Bolsonaro on suspicion that he was preparing to escape to a foreign embassy to avoid starting his 27-year prison sentence for a failed coup. The arrest was prompted by detected interference with his court-mandated tracking equipment. Bolsonaro denied any plan to flee.
The skepticism is heightened by the fact that Bolsonaro had previously offered a much milder, less dramatic explanation, telling authorities he acted simply “out of curiosity.” The complex, new medical defense has done little to convince observers of his innocence.