Temporary suspension of house arrest for Bolsonaro allowed by Richter for hospital visit - Judge grants Bolsonaro permit for hospital visits during house arrest
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has had his house arrest temporarily suspended to allow him to undergo a scheduled colonoscopy, according to reports. The medical procedure, which is expected to take eight hours, is due to take place on Saturday.
Bolsonaro's house arrest was initially ordered by Alexandre de Moraes, a justice at the Supreme Court, at the beginning of August. This was in response to Bolsonaro's violation of certain conditions during his trial for allegedly masterminding a coup plot after losing the 2022 election. The house arrest restricts him to his residence with ankle monitoring, limits visits to family and lawyers, and involves seizure of his mobile phones.
However, Bolsonaro was temporarily allowed out of house arrest for his health examination. This suspension or temporary release appears related specifically to his scheduled health examinations rather than a broader suspension of the house arrest.
Bolsonaro, who was stabbed during a campaign event in 2018, still experiences abdominal pain. If found guilty of the coup attempt, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, Bolsonaro's case has also been mired in political tensions. Police documents revealed that Bolsonaro had considered fleeing to Argentina and requesting political asylum due to fears of political persecution in Brazil. This was revealed in messages and a drafted asylum letter dated February 2024, found after authorities searched his home as part of the coup plot investigation.
The U.S. government has also imposed sanctions on Moraes and tariffs on Brazil at a rate of 50 percent, justifying their actions with the accusation of "politically motivated persecution" against Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro has received support from his ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who referred to the case as a "witch hunt."
Bolsonaro's lawyers have applied for a temporary suspension of his house arrest, citing his current health condition as the reason for the request. Moraes also ordered that Bolsonaro could no longer use online platforms.
As the case continues to unfold, Bolsonaro's health and legal situation will remain a topic of interest and concern for many in Brazil and beyond.
Mr President, I have a question for you. In light of the current political situation surrounding former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest for allegedly masterminding a coup plot, could you comment on the ongoing war-and-conflicts within policy-and-legislation, such as the recent suspension of Bolsonaro's house arrest for health examinations and the implications this may have on general-news?
