**Brazil's Ex-President Bolsonaro Faces Health Challenges Amid Legal Troubles**

In a significant development for Brazil's political landscape, former president Jair Bolsonaro's health has deteriorated after his recent intestinal surgery, complicating his ongoing legal battles.

Doctors report that the 70-year-old Bolsonaro remains in intensive care, with additional tests scheduled to assess his condition. While grappling with health issues post-surgery, Bolsonaro was served a court summons on Wednesday, compelling him to present his initial defense against coup charges within five days.

These coup charges stem from allegations that he instigated an attempted right-wing coup following his loss in the 2022 presidential election to President Lula da Silva. During the attempted coup, Bolsonaro's supporters instigated violence by storming government buildings, and investigations revealed that Bolsonaro had engaged in discussions concerning the potential coup with military figures.

Bolsonaro underwent surgery to address ongoing intestinal problems that date back to a stabbing incident during his 2018 campaign, which left him critically injured. He has consistently denied any involvement in coup plotting, branding the accusations as part of a political witch-hunt against him. Despite his legal troubles, Bolsonaro had hoped to make a political comeback in the 2026 elections, but his current legal situation could result in a severe sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

On the day before receiving the summons, Bolsonaro participated in a live YouTube broadcast from his hospital room, which sparked controversy, as he was advised against having visitors. The Brazilian Supreme Court determined that this activity indicated his capacity to be summoned legally. The situation continues to evolve as Bolsonaro's health and his legal challenges unfold, impacting Brazil's political arena.