Ex-president Bolsonaro departs from home confinement for medical examinations in Brazil - Ex-president Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil granted temporary freedom for a medical examination
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently facing trial, with the verdict and sentencing scheduled for early September 2025, according to Brazil's Supreme Court. The trial, which has garnered intense national attention, is related to an attempt to overturn the result of the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro faces five counts including attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, and attempted violent abolition of democratic rule. If found guilty, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
In recent months, Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital for medical examinations. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by around 20 supporters. The hospital reported that he had experienced fever, cough, and hiccups. Doctor Leandro Echenique announced that Bolsonaro had recently recovered from two lung infections.
Bolsonaro's house arrest was imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes due to violations of conditions, including a ban on using online services. He was granted permission by the Supreme Court to leave his home for a maximum of eight hours for the medical examinations.
The U.S. government's involvement in the trial has added a diplomatic layer to the proceedings. In late July, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods. Former US President Donald Trump, a strong supporter of Bolsonaro, publicly described the trial as a "witch hunt" and has linked the tariff directly to Bolsonaro’s judicial situation. This stance by Trump has heightened nationalist sentiments in Brazil and complicated Brazil-US trade and political interactions.
The trial has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Brazil and the U.S., with the attack on the Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court in Brasília on January 1, 2023, echoing the storming of the U.S. Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump on January 6, 2021.
As the trial continues, the verdict and sentencing draw near, with the Supreme Court setting five dates between September 2 and 12 for the deliberations. The outcome of the trial is expected to have significant political and diplomatic implications for Brazil and its relations with the U.S. and other global powers.
[1] Reuters, "Brazil's Bolsonaro faces trial over election-related crimes," Reuters, 2023.
Jair Bolsonaro, currently under home arrest for medical reasons, could potentially face up to 40 years in prison if found guilty in the trial related to an attempt to overturn the 2022 election results. This ongoing trial, intensely followed by the Brazilian public, in addition to its political and diplomatic ramifications, has also sparked a diplomatic crisis between Brazil and the U.S., with the events echoing the storming of US Congresses in both countries.
