Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has been granted permission to serve his 27-year sentence at home instead of in prison due to failing health. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes made the decision following Bolsonaro's hospitalization since March 13 for pneumonia and other health issues.
Key Takeaways
Brazil's Supreme Court granted former President Jair Bolsonaro temporary house arrest due to failing health after hospitalization for pneumonia. He will serve a 90-day period at home with strict restrictions.
- Bolsonaro discharged from hospital and transferred to his residence in Brasilia
- House arrest authorized by Justice Alexandre de Moraes for an initial 90-day period
- Restrictions include no use of cellphones, computers, or communication devices, and no visitors except doctors and family members
- Bolsonaro's health has been a concern since being stabbed in 2018; recent hospitalization due to kidney problems and pneumonia
- Decision follows requests from Bolsonaro's family and lawyers for humanitarian house arrest
The initial period of house arrest is set for 90 days, extendable after another medical report. Bolsonaro will be monitored by local police at his upscale gated community in Brasilia. The judge specified that Bolsonaro cannot use cellphones or any means of communication and is not allowed visitors except for doctors and family members.
Bolsonaro's health has been a concern since he was stabbed in 2018 before his election as president. He recently spent time in intensive care due to kidney problems and pneumonia. His overall condition has improved, but the hospital did not provide an estimate on when he will be able to return home.
The decision follows requests from Bolsonaro's family and lawyers, who sought permission for humanitarian house arrest. Brazil's Attorney General Paulo Gonet paved the way for this arrangement earlier in the week. Historically, Brazil's Supreme Court only reverses house arrest if a detainee's health improves dramatically or if there are violations of the established rules.
Bolsonaro governed from 2019 to 2022. One of his sons, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has announced plans to run for the presidency in October. Polls show a tight race between him and incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 6 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.