In brief
Reports indicate that Jair Bolsonaro's health has deteriorated following a recent surgery, coinciding with mounting legal challenges after allegations of a coup attempt.
The condition of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's ex-president, has reportedly worsened after undergoing intestinal surgery earlier this month, as confirmed by his medical team. The 70-year-old remains in intensive care while awaiting further medical tests. On Wednesday, Bolsonaro received a court official at the hospital who delivered a summons ordering him to present his defense against coup charges. The ex-president had five days to respond as preparations begin for his trial. This legal action follows accusations that he instigated a right-wing coup attempt after his defeat in the 2022 presidential elections to President Lula da Silva. During the coup attempt, Bolsonaro's supporters attacked government buildings, prompting investigations that revealed his alleged private discussions, including those with military figures, regarding a potential coup to retain power. Bolsonaro's recent surgery was necessitated by ongoing health issues that resulted from an assassination attempt during the 2018 campaign in Minas Gerais, where he sustained severe injuries and lost significant blood. Despite facing serious allegations, he has consistently denied involvement in the coup and accused his political adversaries of orchestrating a witch-hunt against him. In a notable display of defiance, Bolsonaro conducted a live broadcast on YouTube from his hospital room with three of his sons just a day before he received the court summons, despite medical advice against visitors. The Brazilian Supreme Court cited this broadcast as evidence of his ability to be summoned. Despite the ongoing legal turmoil—where he faces the prospect of a 40-year prison sentence if found guilty—Bolsonaro had harbored intentions to vie for the presidency again in 2026, although he is currently barred from running.
