Bolsonaro's Health Declines Amid Coup Charges and Legal Challenges

Former President Bolsonaro, currently in intensive care, must prepare a defense against coup allegations after a recent surgery.

The health condition of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, has reportedly worsened following his recent intestinal surgery earlier this month, according to information from his medical team. The 70-year-old politician is currently receiving treatment in intensive care and is set to undergo further medical tests.

During a hospital visit on Wednesday, a court official delivered Bolsonaro a summons, requiring him to present his initial defense against coup charges within five days, in connection with an impending trial. Bolsonaro has been charged with orchestrating an alleged right-wing coup attempt subsequent to his defeat in the 2022 presidential election, where he lost to left-leaning candidate Lula da Silva.

In a video capturing the moment, Bolsonaro expressed his frustration upon receiving the summons, questioning, "I have just five days to put together my defense?" This legal situation arises from an incident involving his supporters storming government buildings during the alleged coup attempt, with police investigations suggesting that Bolsonaro engaged in discussions—reportedly including those with military officials—about the possibility of a coup to maintain his grip on power.

His recent surgery was necessitated by long-standing health complications stemming from a stabbing incident in 2018, during his electoral campaign in Minas Gerais, where he lost approximately 40% of his blood and underwent emergency procedures. Notably, the assailant was later deemed mentally unfit to face trial for that attack.

Although Bolsonaro has consistently denied the coup allegations, labeling them as a political witch hunt orchestrated by his adversaries, the stakes are high as he faces a potential 40-year prison sentence if convicted. A day before receiving the judicial summons, he managed to record a live broadcast on YouTube from his hospital room with three of his sons, despite medical advice against having visitors; the Brazilian Supreme Court considered this sufficient reason to serve him the legal notice.

Looking ahead, Bolsonaro had aspirations to contest the presidential elections again in 2026, yet he currently faces a ban on running for office due to his legal predicaments.