Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from a hospital facility in Brasilia on Thursday after successfully undergoing surgical procedures to treat a hernia condition and persistent hiccups that had plagued him. The 70-year-old right-wing political figure, known for his polarizing leadership, was promptly escorted under heavy security back to the Federal Police Superintendency headquarters in the capital, resuming his incarceration without delay following the brief medical interlude.
Bolsonaro remains detained pursuant to a 27-year prison sentence imposed for his role in plotting a coup d'état after his narrow defeat in the 2022 presidential election against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The conviction stems from allegations of attempting to undermine democratic institutions and incite unrest to retain power, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-influential leader.
The medical interventions were conducted the previous week, having received explicit authorization from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees many cases related to the former president. This approval came in response to a formal request submitted by Bolsonaro's defense team, citing the necessity of addressing his deteriorating health conditions while in custody.
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On the same day as his discharge, Justice Moraes firmly rejected an additional petition from Bolsonaro's lawyers advocating for a transfer to humanitarian house arrest, arguing that such leniency was unwarranted under the circumstances. The decision reinforces the judiciary's stance on maintaining stringent conditions for the high-profile convict, ensuring no special accommodations beyond essential medical care.
Bolsonaro's swift return to the Federal Police facility concludes this temporary hospitalization episode, highlighting the ongoing enforcement of judicial accountability for actions perceived as threats to Brazil's democratic framework. The case continues to draw considerable national and international attention, reflecting deep divisions within Brazilian society regarding the former president's legacy and legal consequences.
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