Despite operating under intensive medical supervision, Jair Bolsonaro's health continues to deteriorate as he contemplates the political storm surrounding him. The 70-year-old ex-president underwent surgery earlier this month to address long-standing intestinal issues stemming from a stabbing incident during his 2018 campaign. His medical team reports that he remains in intensive care and will need additional tests to gauge the extent of his health challenges.
In a notable twist, a court official visited Bolsonaro in his hospital to deliver a summons demanding he prepare a defense against serious coup charges within five days. This recent legal development comes as Bolsonaro stands accused of orchestrating a right-wing coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat to the left-leaning President Lula da Silva. His supporters notoriously stormed government buildings hoping to overturn the results.
During the delivery of the summons, Bolsonaro appeared visibly agitated, questioning the absurdity of being rushed to present a defense while bedridden. Allegations suggest that the former president engaged in confidential discussions, potentially plotting a coup alongside military figures to maintain his grip on power.
In a prior incident, the Brazilian Supreme Court noted that Bolsonaro's actions—recording a live YouTube broadcast from his hospital bed with his sons—exhibited enough capacity for him to receive legal notifications despite medical advice against receiving visitors. This incident also contributed to the court's decision to proceed with the summons.
Beyond his immediate legal troubles, Bolsonaro’s political ambitions may be on shaky ground. He had intended to contest the 2026 presidential elections, although he faces a current ban from running and could face a staggering 40-year prison sentence if convicted on the coup charges. With both his health and future in jeopardy, the ex-president navigates a precarious path ahead.
In a notable twist, a court official visited Bolsonaro in his hospital to deliver a summons demanding he prepare a defense against serious coup charges within five days. This recent legal development comes as Bolsonaro stands accused of orchestrating a right-wing coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat to the left-leaning President Lula da Silva. His supporters notoriously stormed government buildings hoping to overturn the results.
During the delivery of the summons, Bolsonaro appeared visibly agitated, questioning the absurdity of being rushed to present a defense while bedridden. Allegations suggest that the former president engaged in confidential discussions, potentially plotting a coup alongside military figures to maintain his grip on power.
In a prior incident, the Brazilian Supreme Court noted that Bolsonaro's actions—recording a live YouTube broadcast from his hospital bed with his sons—exhibited enough capacity for him to receive legal notifications despite medical advice against receiving visitors. This incident also contributed to the court's decision to proceed with the summons.
Beyond his immediate legal troubles, Bolsonaro’s political ambitions may be on shaky ground. He had intended to contest the 2026 presidential elections, although he faces a current ban from running and could face a staggering 40-year prison sentence if convicted on the coup charges. With both his health and future in jeopardy, the ex-president navigates a precarious path ahead.
