Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is set to be discharged from hospital on Friday, marking a transition back to his residence where he will continue serving a 27-year sentence for involvement in a coup attempt. This development follows a medical assessment confirming his stable health status, allowing for a return to house imprisonment under stringent conditions.
Medical and Judicial Decisions
Dr. Brasil Caiado, Bolsonaro's physician, announced to journalists in Brasilia on Wednesday that the 71-year-old former leader's health is now stable, enabling his discharge. Bolsonaro has been hospitalized since March 13 due to pneumonia, a condition that adds to a series of health issues he has faced, including a stabbing incident in 2018 prior to his election as president.
Supreme Court Ruling and Restrictions
In a related judicial move, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted permission on Tuesday for Bolsonaro to return to his home post-discharge, citing poor health as a key factor. However, Justice Moraes emphasized that this decision will be reviewed within 90 days to reassess the circumstances.
Under the court's ruling, Bolsonaro will be subject to strict surveillance measures. He is required to wear an ankle monitor and is prohibited from using cellphones. Local police will maintain constant surveillance at his residence, located within a gated community where protests are banned to ensure security.
Visitor Limitations and Ongoing Monitoring
Further restrictions include a ban on visitors, with exceptions only for doctors and immediate family members. This measure aims to minimize external interactions and maintain control over his imprisonment conditions. The combination of electronic monitoring and police oversight underscores the seriousness of his sentence for the coup attempt.
Bolsonaro's health struggles, including the recent pneumonia bout, have played a significant role in the judicial considerations, but authorities remain vigilant in enforcing the terms of his house arrest to uphold legal accountability.
