Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Released From Hospital, Placed Under House Arrest

Brasilia. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from the hospital on Friday after a two-week stay. His personal physician stated that he is being held under house arrest at his residence in Brasilia.

Speaking to journalists outside the DF Star private hospital, Bolsonaro's physician, Brazil Kaido, provided an update on the former president's health, saying, "Former President Bolsonaro was treated in the ICU for more than a week before being moved to a regular patient room on Monday, and he returned home on Friday."

Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence on allegations of attempting a 'coup' after being defeated by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election, fell ill while in jail.

"His current health condition is stable," Kaido said. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had requested on Tuesday that Bolsonaro be allowed to serve his sentence under temporary house arrest for 90 days upon his release from jail.

After this period, the court will re-evaluate whether to extend the house arrest or send the former leader back to prison. Moraes had previously rejected several requests to place Bolsonaro under house arrest on humanitarian grounds.

Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, was under house arrest at home before his sentence officially began.

Moraes stated that Bolsonaro will be required to wear an 'electronic monitor' and will not be allowed to use a phone or social media for communication. He will be permitted to meet with his family, lawyers, and doctors.

The hospital indicated that the recent hospitalization was due to a lung infection complication stemming from a stab wound to the abdomen sustained during his 2018 presidential campaign, which has caused him persistent hiccups, vomiting, and several surgeries and other health issues.

Doctors stated earlier this week that he might recover from bronchopneumonia, but there is a risk of scarring in the lungs during the recovery process. Full recovery could take anywhere from six weeks to six months.

Bolsonaro has nominated his eldest son, 44-year-old Senator Flávio, as his candidate in the October presidential election. Some polls suggest Flávio Bolsonaro could compete in a potential electoral race against the 80-year-old Lula, who is running for a fourth term.