Jair Bolsonaro to Serve Sentence Under House Arrest Due to Health Concerns
In a recent decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court, former President Jair Bolsonaro will serve his 27-year sentence for attempting a coup from home rather than in prison due to health issues. Justice Alexandre de Moraes permitted the 71-year-old to return to his residence in Brasilia following his hospital discharge. However, the case will be reassessed in 90 days.
Bolsonaro, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia since March 13, will be monitored with an ankle bracelet and is prohibited from using cellphones and receiving visitors, apart from doctors and family. Local authorities will ensure no protests occur near his home, which is in a gated community.
Legal experts indicate that house imprisonment in Brazil is seldom overturned unless health improves significantly or the detainee breaches conditions, such as making public statements or using social media. De Moraes has consistently denied similar requests from Bolsonaro’s family in the past.
Bolsonaro’s health has been a concern since a 2018 stabbing incident during his presidential campaign. His current stay in intensive care is due to kidney and other health issues. The DF Star hospital reports his condition as stable, but there’s no timeline for his return home.
The court ruling comes amid controversy, as Bolsonaro’s family argues the temporary nature of the decision is illogical. Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, expressing skepticism, questioned the rationale behind returning him to a detrimental environment if his health improves.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian foreign ministry revoked the visa of U.S. State Department official Darren Beattie, who allegedly planned to visit Bolsonaro in prison, citing interference in internal matters. De Moraes dismissed the family’s appeal to allow Beattie’s visit.
Bolsonaro’s sentence includes charges of leading an armed criminal group and attempting to dismantle the democratic legal framework, accusations he denies. The family had sought house arrest since his conviction in November, arguing for his transfer due to health concerns. Brazil’s Attorney General Paulo Gonet concurred with the decision for Bolsonaro’s house arrest.
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