A justice of the Supreme Federal Court, Alexandre de Moraes, has approved a request by former president Jair Bolsonaro to temporarily serve his sentence under house arrest following his hospital treatment.
In a court document released on Tuesday, Moraes stated: “I authorize temporary humanitarian house arrest… for an initial period of 90 days,” noting that the arrangement could be extended depending on medical needs.
The 71-year-old former leader, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison last September over an attempted coup in 2022, has been receiving treatment for bronchopneumonia after falling ill while in custody.
His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, reacted to the ruling on social media, posting: “Thank you, God!”
Bolsonaro had been serving his sentence at the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasília since mid-January before being admitted to a private clinic on March 13. After more than a week of treatment, he was moved to a standard inpatient room on Monday.
Medical experts linked his current condition to complications arising from a bronchial aspiration episode, itself associated with the long-term effects of a stabbing injury he sustained during the 2018 presidential campaign.
Despite his legal troubles, Bolsonaro remains influential in Brazilian politics. While in prison, he endorsed his eldest son, Flavio Bolsonaro, as a potential candidate for the upcoming October presidential election.
With less than seven months to the polls, early surveys suggest a tight race between Flavio Bolsonaro and incumbent president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth term in office.
What you should know
The court’s decision to grant Jair Bolsonaro temporary house arrest reflects the role of humanitarian considerations in judicial processes, especially for health-related cases.
While he remains convicted and under sentence, the ruling allows him to recover outside prison under strict conditions.
Politically, the move keeps Bolsonaro relevant ahead of the upcoming elections, particularly as he backs his son’s potential candidacy in what is shaping up to be a closely contested race.
