Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro told a judge he tampered with his ankle monitor because he believed it was bugged during a brief medication-induced mental episode.
Police arrested him early Saturday after security systems picked up evidence of interference. Officials suspected he might seek refuge in an embassy to avoid prison.
Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since his conviction for leading a coup attempt. His sentence of 27 years was expected to be enforced in the coming days.
At the hearing, Bolsonaro said a strong painkiller and an antidepressant had triggered hallucinations. Acting on this, he tried to dismantle the electronic device with a tool.
Political analysts doubted the explanation, referencing earlier footage in which Bolsonaro admitted to tampering out of curiosity. Reaction from foreign allies was notably mild.