Bolsonaro leaves hospital, gets 90-day house arrest within 27-year prison sentence
Bolsonaro was admitted to a private hospital in Brasilia on March 13 after experiencing vomiting and chills in his cell in the military wing of Papuda prison
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro returned to his home in Brasilia on Friday after being discharged from hospital following a two-week stay for acute bilateral pneumonia. Bolsonaro, 71, will serve at least 90 days of his 27-year prison sentence under house arrest, following a decision by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The judge authorized humanitarian house arrest this week under strict conditions: an electronic ankle monitor, a ban on using social media, mobile phones, and recording videos or audio, along with restricted visits. After the 90-day period, Moraes will assess the inmate’s health to determine whether to extend the arrangement or return him to prison.
Bolsonaro was admitted to a private hospital in Brasilia on March 13 after experiencing vomiting and chills in his cell in the military wing of Papuda prison, where he had been serving his sentence since January. He was placed in intensive care and treated with intravenous antibiotics and physiotherapy sessions. His physician, Brasil Caiado, said on Friday that the recovery had been smooth, without any complications and that the former president would continue treatment at home, including respiratory and motor physiotherapy and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. In approximately four weeks, he will undergo shoulder arthroscopy.
Caiado also commented on Bolsonaro’s emotional state: His mood fluctuates considerably depending on the news and his expectations about his health. Today I found him quieter, more pensive.
The retired military officer was sentenced last November to 27 years in prison for leading a coup conspiracy to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His lawyers and family had repeatedly requested house arrest since the day of the conviction, citing his health problems and age. Bolsonaro has suffered lasting effects since being stabbed at a campaign rally in 2018 and has undergone multiple surgeries.
His return home, where he lives with his wife and daughters, was authorized with a limited visitation regime. He may receive three of his four sons, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as well as his lawyers and doctors. His fourth son is barred from visiting due to accusations of obstructing the judicial process. The family has criticized the temporary nature of the house arrest.
Bolsonaro’s hospital discharge coincides with the pre-campaign of his son Flávio, whom he launched in December into the presidential race for the October elections. Polls show a tie between Flávio Bolsonaro, who presents himself as a moderate version of his father, and President Lula, who is seeking reelection, far ahead of any other candidate. Both blocs are spending these weeks securing alliances for congressional and state government candidacies.
House arrest is a widely used regime in Brazil, where more than 200,000 inmates serve their sentences at home, including former President Fernando Collor de Mello, who was convicted of corruption.
