The measure will last 90 days while the former president recovers from bronchopneumonia
by the El Reportero‘s staff
Judge Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has authorized temporary house arrest for former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a prison sentence of 27 years and three months.
The measure will remain in effect for 90 days to allow the former leader to recover from bronchopneumonia. After that period, Justice Moraes will reassess the legal and medical conditions to determine whether Bolsonaro may remain under house arrest or must return to prison, according to Brazilian media reports.
In his ruling—issued in response to a request from Bolsonaro’s defense team—the judge ordered that the former president be fitted with an electronic ankle monitor. Additionally, Military Police officers will be assigned to secure his residence and ensure compliance with the conditions of his detention, including preventing any attempt to flee or communicate in violation of court restrictions.
Prior to the decision, Brazil’s Office of the Prosecutor General submitted a formal opinion to the Supreme Court supporting house arrest. Attorney General Paulo Gonet argued that the measure was justified given Bolsonaro’s recent clinical condition and medical recommendations calling for a “flexibilization” of his incarceration regime. Legal analysts note that Brazilian law allows humanitarian adjustments to prison conditions in cases involving serious health concerns.
Still hospitalized
At present, the former president remains hospitalized at Hospital DF Star in Brasília. He was transferred there on Friday, March 13, from the Papuda prison complex, where he had been serving his sentence.
Bolsonaro was admitted after developing bacterial bronchopneumonia and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the latest medical report released Monday and cited by local outlet G1, his condition has shown “favorable progress.” If improvement continues, doctors expect he could be discharged from intensive care within 24 hours.
The case has drawn significant political attention in Brazil, where Bolsonaro remains a polarizing figure, and any judicial decision involving him continues to spark debate over the balance between justice, health considerations, and political implications.
