Jair Bolsonaro’s political credibility has taken a significant hit following his bizarre claim that a drug-induced “psychotic attack” caused him to tamper with his electronic ankle monitor. The former president testified he was hallucinating that the device was secretly recording him, an explanation offered during a custody hearing after his arrest.
Federal police detained Bolsonaro on suspicion that he was preparing to flee to a foreign embassy to avoid his 27-year prison sentence for a failed coup. The interference with his court-mandated tracking equipment was the direct cause of the apprehension. Bolsonaro denied the escape plot in court.
Political analysts are highly doubtful of his complex new narrative, pointing out its stark inconsistency with his earlier, simpler claim of acting “out of curiosity.” The dramatic defense only increases the intense public and legal scrutiny he faces.