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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro successfully underwent a double hernia surgery on Thursday at the DF Star Hospital in Brasilia, his medical team confirmed. The procedure, which lasted approximately three and a half hours, was completed without complications.
The surgery marks another health challenge for Bolsonaro, who has undergone several operations since a 2018 campaign rally stabbing that severely damaged his abdomen. According to his doctors, the double hernia had been causing him significant pain, necessitating this latest medical intervention.
“He will continue with postoperative care, including pain management, physical therapy and prevention of venous thrombosis,” the hospital stated in an official release following the operation.
Bolsonaro, 69, was granted temporary leave from prison to undergo the necessary medical procedure. He has been serving a 27-year sentence since November after being convicted of attempting to orchestrate a coup following his electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over Bolsonaro’s coup trial and handed down the sentence, authorized the surgical procedure after federal police doctors confirmed its necessity. However, de Moraes rejected the former president’s request for house arrest during his recovery period.
Michelle Bolsonaro, the former president’s wife, is accompanying him during his hospitalization. Justice de Moraes also granted permission for Bolsonaro’s sons to visit him while he recovers at the hospital, a departure from the strict visitation rules at the federal police headquarters where he is normally held.
According to authorities, Bolsonaro’s detention conditions include a 12-square-meter (approximately 130-square-foot) room equipped with a bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, television, and desk. While he has unrestricted access to his legal team and medical professionals, other visitors require Supreme Court approval.
In a politically significant development, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s eldest son, revealed on Thursday that his father had formally endorsed him as the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming 2025 election. The senator read a handwritten letter to journalists, dated December 25, in which the imprisoned former leader expressed his support.
“He represents the continuation of the path of prosperity that I began well before becoming president, as I believe we must restore the responsibility of leading Brazil with justice, resolve and loyalty to the aspirations of the Brazilian people,” the former president wrote regarding his son.
Flávio Bolsonaro had previously announced on December 5 that he would challenge President Lula, who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term in office. This development signals the Bolsonaro family’s continued political ambitions despite the former president’s incarceration.
Jair Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, was convicted by a panel of Supreme Court justices on multiple serious charges, including leading an armed criminal organization and attempting the violent abolition of democratic rule of law. The prosecution presented evidence of a plot that reportedly included plans to assassinate President Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Justice de Moraes, as well as to incite an insurrection in early 2023.
The former president has consistently denied all wrongdoing in connection with these charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Bolsonaro’s current health situation and political maneuvering take place against the backdrop of Brazil’s polarized political landscape, where his supporters continue to view him as a legitimate leader despite his conviction. Meanwhile, the country’s democratic institutions remain vigilant against potential threats, particularly as the nation prepares for another electoral cycle.
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11 Comments
Glad to hear the surgery was completed without complications. Hope Bolsonaro can focus on his recovery now and that it doesn’t further delay his legal proceedings.
Yes, a successful surgery is the priority at this stage. The legal aspects will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months.
Bolsonaro has certainly faced his fair share of health challenges over the years. Curious to see how this latest procedure impacts his ongoing legal battles and political standing.
Indeed, his health seems to be an ongoing concern. Likely a difficult time for him and his supporters.
Curious to see if this latest health issue has any impact on Bolsonaro’s political standing and future in Brazil. A complex situation all around.
This is certainly a high-profile case to follow, given Bolsonaro’s prominent role in Brazilian politics. Hope he can focus on his recovery now.
Agreed, it will be interesting to see how this medical situation factors into the broader legal and political dynamics surrounding the former president.
Interesting that he was granted temporary leave from prison to undergo this surgery. Speaks to the complex legal situation surrounding the former president.
Hope Bolsonaro’s surgery goes well and he recovers quickly. Interesting to see how this plays out for his ongoing legal troubles and political future in Brazil.
Agreed, his health and legal situation are certainly complex. It will be important to follow the developments closely.
A double hernia surgery is no small matter, even for a former president. Wishing him the best in his recovery and hope it doesn’t further complicate his legal issues.