Jair Bolsonaro Discharged from Hospital, Returns to Custody

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, was released from DF Star Hospital in Brasilia on Thursday after a successful double hernia surgery just a week prior. After undergoing some minor recovery procedures, he was taken back to his designated facility at the federal police headquarters, where he is fulfilling a 27-year prison sentence.

The surgery, sanctioned by Brazil’s Supreme Court, concluded without any complications. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over his sentencing, denied a subsequent motion for house arrest, necessitating Bolsonaro's immediate return to prison post-surgery.

Since his presidency from 2019 to 2022, Bolsonaro has faced several medical treatments following a stabbing incident during a campaign rally in 2018. His accommodations in the federal police facility are relatively private, allowing him to reside in a 12-square-meter room equipped with basic necessities such as a bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, television, and desk. He remains isolated from other inmates.

In a politically charged move last December, Bolsonaro named his eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as his party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election, setting the stage for a contest against incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

While neither Senator Flávio Bolsonaro nor former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro commented on his prison return, the latter did take to social media to show her support, stating, “There is a Brazil of good people who love you and pray for you. We will overcome these tough times.”

In September, Bolsonaro and several associates were found guilty of attempting to undermine Brazil’s democratic process following his electoral defeat in 2022. The charges include leading an armed criminal organization and plotting acts of violence against President Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Justice Moraes. Bolsonaro has consistently maintained his innocence regarding all accusations.