A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has granted former President Jair Bolsonaro permission to complete his 27-year prison term for coup conspiracy from his residence rather than behind bars, citing his deteriorating medical condition.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes made the ruling Tuesday after Bolsonaro has remained hospitalized since March 13 battling pneumonia, adding to a series of health complications that began when he survived a stabbing attack in 2018 during his presidential campaign.
The former leader spent several days in intensive care recently due to kidney complications and additional health concerns. While his medical team has not provided a discharge timeline from the Brasilia hospital, doctors report his condition is showing signs of improvement.
Bolsonaro’s family has petitioned the court for home confinement since his conviction last November. After initially being held at a federal police facility, he was moved to an expanded cell in January.
Brazil’s Attorney General Paulo Gonet endorsed the home detention arrangement on Monday, clearing the path for the court’s approval.
The far-right politician held office from 2019 through 2022. His son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has announced plans to seek the presidency in October’s election, with polling data showing a tight race against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to established legal precedent, Brazil’s Supreme Court typically maintains house arrest arrangements unless a prisoner’s health significantly recovers or they breach conditions such as making public comments, using social media, or conducting media interviews.
