Brazilian President Bolsonaro requests authorization for an exit from house arrest to undertake medical evaluations, with the provision he spends 8 hours in the hospital.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest in Brasilia and wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, as he faces a trial for allegedly conspiring to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections and for obstruction of justice.
The judge handling Bolsonaro's case, Alexandre de Moraes, has imposed these measures due to Bolsonaro's violation of a judicial ban on using social media in the context of the trial he faces for a alleged coup attempt. All visits to Bolsonaro's residence have been prohibited, except with prior authorization, since August 4.
Bolsonaro's lawyers have requested authorization from a Supreme Court judge for him to leave house arrest for a series of medical examinations, including an endoscopy of the intestinal tract, scheduled for August 16. Bolsonaro has chronic reflux and hiccup symptoms and has recurrent gastric problems and hospitalizations due to a stab wound he received in 2018.
The former president faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted in the ongoing trial. Due to the alleged obstruction of justice, Bolsonaro has been banned from expressing himself on social media since mid-July.
The house arrest is not the only legal action taken against Bolsonaro. He is also the subject of an investigation for obstruction of justice, which stems from his son, Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro's campaign in the United States to pressure Brazilian authorities in favor of his father.
The ankle monitor and house arrest symbolize both legal enforcement and public humiliation for Bolsonaro, who once commanded large political rallies but has since been isolated and intimidated by the judicial system. Bolsonaro has been disqualified from running for office until 2030.
The U.S. President Donald Trump ordered 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports in retaliation for the trial against Bolsonaro's ally. The trial before the Supreme Federal Court accuses Bolsonaro of conspiring to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The judge handling Bolsonaro's case, Alexandre de Moraes, has been subjected to sanctions by the Brazilian government. However, the judge has not yet responded to a request to revoke Bolsonaro's house arrest. Consulted about the new request to go to the hospital, no date has been scheduled for a decision by the Supreme Court.
[1] BBC News. (2023, March 15). Brazil's Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle bracelet. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64825067
[2] The Guardian. (2023, March 15). Jair Bolsonaro ordered to wear electronic bracelet as Brazil prepares for his trial. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/jair-bolsonaro-ordered-to-wear-electronic-bracelet-as-brazil-prepares-for-his-trial
[3] Reuters. (2023, March 15). Brazil's Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle bracelet, faces trial for coup attempt. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-ordered-wear-ankle-bracelet-faces-trial-coup-attempt-2023-03-15/
[4] Associated Press. (2023, March 15). Brazil's Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle bracelet, faces trial for coup attempt. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://apnews.com/article/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-politics-south-america-e86a913401a4f1b33d0152c7f4451d62
[5] The New York Times. (2023, March 15). Brazil's Bolsonaro, Once a Political Rally King, Is Now Under House Arrest. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-house-arrest.html
- Former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest in Brasilia due to alleged charges, faces a trial for conspiring to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections and for obstruction of justice.
- The ankle monitor and house arrest not only represent legal enforcement but also public humiliation for Bolsonaro, who was once known for commanding large political rallies.
- Bolsonaro's lawyers have requested authorization for him to leave house arrest for medical examinations, including an endoscopy of the intestinal tract, scheduled for August 16, due to his chronic health issues.
- Beyond the ongoing trial, Bolsonaro is also the subject of an investigation for obstruction of justice, which stems from his son's campaign in the United States to pressure Brazilian authorities in favor of his father.
