Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for attempting a coup, has been temporarily released to undergo a surgical procedure in the nation's capital. The development adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding the controversial figure.
Hospitalization Under Tight Security
On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Bolsonaro was transferred from federal police headquarters in Brasilia to the DF Star hospital. A source at the medical facility confirmed to AFP that the 70-year-old former leader was admitted ahead of a scheduled surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, a condition involving a protrusion in the groin area.
Journalists observed a convoy of black vehicles, escorted by motorcycles, entering the hospital's parking garage. The temporary release was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the judge who oversaw Bolsonaro's trial. The permission followed an expert medical review concluding the operation was necessary.
Health Struggles and a High-Profile Incarceration
Bolsonaro's health has been a persistent concern since he was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign. More recently, he was diagnosed with skin cancer. This hernia surgery marks his second medical procedure at the DF Star hospital this year, following another operation in April.
The former president began serving his 27-year sentence in late November 2025 after being convicted by Brazil's Supreme Court in September. The court found him guilty of leading a scheme to prevent his successor, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from taking office after the 2022 election, an act deemed an attempt to retain power illegally. Bolsonaro has consistently denied the charges, claiming he is a victim of political persecution.
Family, Security, and Political Ramifications
Justice Moraes ordered stringent security measures for the hospital stay. Two police officers are stationed 24/7 outside Bolsonaro's room, where mobile phones and computers are banned. While his wife, Michelle, is permitted to visit, his sons are not authorized.
Despite the restrictions, his son Carlos Bolsonaro, a former Rio de Janeiro city councilman, appeared at the hospital entrance. He told reporters he came to "send good energy" and that seeing his father would be "a wonderful Christmas present." In a related political move, Bolsonaro's eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, stating his father designated him as his successor.
The hospitalization coincides with recent legislative action. Brazil's conservative-majority Parliament passed a law that could significantly reduce Bolsonaro's prison time to just over two years. While President Lula has stated he intends to veto the legislation, Parliament holds the power to override a presidential veto, setting the stage for another political confrontation.
The exact duration of Bolsonaro's hospital stay remains unclear as the country watches the next steps for its imprisoned former leader.
