Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, ventures out from his house arrest to undergo medical evaluations
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil and a right-wing firebrand, is currently under house arrest and grappling with both legal and health issues. On Saturday, he left his home for medical exams at an unspecified hospital in Brasília, following recurring health problems that have included fever, cough, persistent gastroesophageal reflux, and hiccups[1].
The health issues stem from a 2018 stabbing during his presidential campaign, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and surgeries, including a bowel obstruction surgery in April 2025[1][2]. His lawyers have stated that he has ongoing gastrointestinal problems as a result of the attack.
Bolsonaro's legal situation is equally complex. He is on trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court for allegedly attempting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. The court is expected to deliver verdicts and sentences on multiple counts against him between September 2 and 12, 2025[1]. He denies the allegations[1].
Investigations have further complicated his situation: Brazilian federal police uncovered evidence that Bolsonaro planned to flee to Argentina to seek political asylum in early 2024 after police investigations intensified. The police have formally accused him and one of his sons of obstruction of justice in relation to the coup attempt trial[3].
His actions, including violating house arrest conditions by spreading content to his allies, are seen by the Supreme Court justice overseeing the case as attacks on democratic institutions[1][3]. A judge temporarily lifted the judicial ban on Bolsonaro's use of social networks to seek medical attention, but the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether he can use these platforms to plead his case to the public.
Brazil's current leftist leader is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Despite Bolsonaro's legal and health troubles, his political influence remains a significant factor in Brazilian politics.
War-and-conflicts and politics intersect in the ongoing trial of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, as he faces allegations of attempting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. General-news outlets also cover crime-and-justice developments, such as the Brazilian federal police's discovery of evidence indicating Bolsonaro's planned escape to Argentina for political asylum in early 2024, which has led to formal accusations of obstruction of justice.
