Former president Jair Bolsonaro has claimed that a sudden medication-induced psychotic episode led him to damage his ankle monitor, believing it contained surveillance equipment.
Authorities arrested him on Saturday after an alert showed the device had been tampered with. Officials worried he might attempt to flee into diplomatic protection.
Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since his Supreme Court conviction for orchestrating a failed coup. His transfer to prison was expected any day.
During his hearing, Bolsonaro said he had been prescribed a powerful painkiller and an antidepressant. He claimed the combination triggered hallucinations that made him distrust the device.
Political analysts expressed skepticism, citing earlier footage where Bolsonaro told a security official he acted out of curiosity. International allies offered restrained responses to his arrest.