Former president Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to DF Star hospital in Brasilia to undergo a planned inguinal hernia repair on Christmas Day. The surgery is scheduled for 1200 GMT and should take three to four hours, with an expected five to seven day hospital stay. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes approved temporary prison leave after experts deemed the operation medically necessary and imposed strict security and visitor restrictions. The move comes amid ongoing legal and political developments, including a parliamentary bill that could shorten Bolsonaro's sentence.
Imprisoned Ex‑President Jair Bolsonaro Hospitalized in Brasilia for Planned Hernia Surgery on Christmas Day
A convoy escorted Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro to a hospital where he will undergo hernia surgery (Evaristo Sa)(Evaristo Sa/AFP/AFP)
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence after a Supreme Court conviction, was admitted to DF Star private hospital in Brasilia on Wednesday to undergo a scheduled inguinal hernia repair on Christmas Day, his medical team said.
Planned Procedure and Recovery
Surgeon Claudio Birolini said the operation is set to begin at 1200 GMT on Thursday and is expected to take three to four hours. Doctors anticipate a hospital stay of five to seven days for postoperative recovery.
The hernia, an inguinal bulge caused by a tear in the abdominal wall, was judged medically necessary to treat after an expert review requested by the court, according to officials.
Security and Restrictions
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes — who oversaw Bolsonaro's trial — authorized temporary leave from detention for the procedure and ordered a tight security detail. Two police officers will remain outside the former president's room 24 hours a day, and mobile phones and computers are prohibited in the immediate patient area.
Family Access
Bolsonaro's wife, Michelle, was permitted to stay with him during his hospitalization. His sons were initially denied visits but were later allowed to see their father; Carlos Bolsonaro arrived at the hospital to 'send good energy' and called any glimpse of his father 'a wonderful Christmas present.'
Medical Background
Bolsonaro, 70, has faced several health challenges in recent years. He sustained a stab wound to the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign and required emergency surgery. He was also recently treated for skin cancer and underwent a 12-hour emergency operation at the same private hospital in April.
Legal And Political Context
In September, Brazil's Supreme Court convicted Bolsonaro of leading a scheme to block the transfer of power in 2022 and sentenced him to prison. He began serving a 27-year term in November and has consistently denied wrongdoing, calling the conviction political persecution.
Last week, Brazil's conservative-led parliament passed a bill that could dramatically shorten Bolsonaro's sentence to just over two years; President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said he intends to veto the measure, though the legislature can override a presidential veto.
Dr. Brasil Caiado, cardiologist: Bolsonaro is 'anxious, a little depressed' and has had recurring hiccups for roughly 40 days, the doctor said.
The hospital stay and the security arrangements reflect the high-profile nature of Bolsonaro's case and the continuing political divisions in Brazil. Officials emphasized the surgery is scheduled and expected to proceed smoothly.
