The jailed ex-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has undergone a successful surgery for a double hernia, as confirmed by his wife, Michelle. The former leader is currently serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Brazilian Supreme Court permitted Bolsonaro, who is 70 years old, to be transferred from his detention room at the federal police headquarters to a hospital in Brasília for the necessary surgical procedure.
Just before the surgery, Bolsonaro publicly endorsed his eldest son Flávio's candidacy in the upcoming 2026 presidential race.
Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator, had earlier announced his intention to run for president under his father's Liberal Party. His father's handwritten letter, which was read outside the hospital by Flávio, expressed Bolsonaro's willingness to entrust his son with the mission of 'rescuing Brazil.'
Despite his imprisonment and a guilty verdict for coup plotting, Bolsonaro's influence remains significant within Brazilian politics. He continues to command a loyal following and has expressed hopes for his son's political future.
While there are discussions about reducing Bolsonaro's sentence, President Lula has indicated intentions to veto such bills. Jair Bolsonaro is expected to return to federal police headquarters once he receives medical clearance.
