Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro's health has taken a turn for the worse following an intestinal surgery earlier this month, according to his medical team. The 70-year-old remains in intensive care and doctors have announced that further tests will be conducted.
While hospitalized, a court official visited Bolsonaro to deliver a summons that demands he provide his defense against coup charges within five days, positioning him ahead of a looming trial. Bolsonaro is accused of orchestrating an alleged right-wing coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to leftist President Lula da Silva.
Footage of the summons delivery showed Bolsonaro reacting angrily, questioning, "I have five days to present my defense?" This comes in the wake of unrest instigated by his supporters who stormed government buildings amidst the coup allegations. Investigative reports reveal that Bolsonaro engaged in discussions with military figures about potentially retaining power.
His recent intestinal surgery was necessitated by chronic health issues stemming from a stabbing incident in 2018 during his campaign in Minas Gerais. Initially losing approximately 40% of his blood and undergoing emergency surgery, the attacker was later declared mentally unfit for trial.
Bolsonaro has consistently denied accusations of attempting a coup and has labeled these allegations as part of a politically motivated witch-hunt. Notably, just a day before his summons, he conducted a live broadcast from his hospital bed alongside three of his sons, despite medical advice against visitors. This led the Brazilian Supreme Court to assert that Bolsonaro was fit to be formally summoned.
Despite currently being barred from seeking office, Bolsonaro had aspirations to contest the 2026 presidential elections. However, he now faces a possible 40-year prison sentence if found guilty of the charges against him.
While hospitalized, a court official visited Bolsonaro to deliver a summons that demands he provide his defense against coup charges within five days, positioning him ahead of a looming trial. Bolsonaro is accused of orchestrating an alleged right-wing coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to leftist President Lula da Silva.
Footage of the summons delivery showed Bolsonaro reacting angrily, questioning, "I have five days to present my defense?" This comes in the wake of unrest instigated by his supporters who stormed government buildings amidst the coup allegations. Investigative reports reveal that Bolsonaro engaged in discussions with military figures about potentially retaining power.
His recent intestinal surgery was necessitated by chronic health issues stemming from a stabbing incident in 2018 during his campaign in Minas Gerais. Initially losing approximately 40% of his blood and undergoing emergency surgery, the attacker was later declared mentally unfit for trial.
Bolsonaro has consistently denied accusations of attempting a coup and has labeled these allegations as part of a politically motivated witch-hunt. Notably, just a day before his summons, he conducted a live broadcast from his hospital bed alongside three of his sons, despite medical advice against visitors. This led the Brazilian Supreme Court to assert that Bolsonaro was fit to be formally summoned.
Despite currently being barred from seeking office, Bolsonaro had aspirations to contest the 2026 presidential elections. However, he now faces a possible 40-year prison sentence if found guilty of the charges against him.
