Bolsonaro Allowed Prison Exit for Surgery After Court Approval

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been granted permission to temporarily leave prison to undergo a surgical procedure, according to Brazilian media reports citing a decision by the Supreme Court.

The authorisation allows Bolsonaro to be transferred from custody to a hospital under police escort for medical treatment.

The decision was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes after Bolsonaro’s legal team submitted a request citing health concerns.

Lawyers said the former president requires surgery to treat an inguinal hernia, a condition doctors believe should be addressed despite the availability of non-surgical alternatives. Federal Police physicians evaluated Bolsonaro and supported the recommendation for surgery.

• Brazil court allows Jair Bolsonaro temporary prison exit for surgery
• Supreme Court approves hospital transfer but denies house arrest for Bolsonaro
• Bolsonaro to undergo hernia surgery under police escort while in custody

While approving the temporary hospital transfer, the court rejected a separate request from the defence seeking humanitarian house arrest during Bolsonaro’s recovery period. The ruling stated that Bolsonaro will return to prison after the procedure and that any movement outside custody will remain strictly controlled. The date of the surgery has not yet been announced and will be scheduled by Bolsonaro’s lawyers in coordination with medical staff.

The court order noted that Bolsonaro is currently being held at a Federal Police facility located close to a private hospital where he has previously received emergency care. This proximity, the judge said, reduces health risks and ensures rapid medical assistance if needed, even while the former president remains incarcerated.

Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted for his role in plotting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. The conviction marked a historic moment in Brazil’s political and judicial history, following extensive investigations into efforts to undermine democratic institutions.

Health issues have frequently featured in Bolsonaro’s legal appeals. He has undergone multiple medical procedures since surviving a stabbing attack during his 2018 presidential campaign. His defence team has repeatedly argued that his condition warrants alternative detention measures, arguments that the Supreme Court has consistently rejected.

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The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance that medical treatment does not alter the legal status of Bolsonaro’s sentence, while allowing access to necessary healthcare under supervision.