The health condition of Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has deteriorated in the weeks following an intestinal surgery, as reported by his medical team. Currently, housed in intensive care at a hospital, the 70-year-old is set to undergo additional medical tests to assess his situation.
Recently, Bolsonaro was visited in the hospital by a court official who delivered a summons requiring him to present his initial defense against charges related to an alleged coup attempt. This summons gives Bolsonaro five days to respond as he prepares for his impending trial, which comes after his defeat in the 2022 elections to left-wing President Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro reacted angrily to the notification, questioning the time frame for his defense amid his health struggles.
The charges stem from Bolsonaro's alleged direction of his supporters during incidents of storming government buildings in January, which investigators claim were indicative of a right-wing coup attempt. The police have detailed claims that Bolsonaro held discussions with military figures concerning a potential coup aimed at retaining power following his electoral loss.
Bolsonaro has previously contended with health complications stemming from a stabbing incident in 2018, during which he lost a significant amount of blood. Following the stab wound, he underwent emergency surgical procedures. As he navigates his health challenges, the ex-president continues to deny any involvement in coup activities, asserting that he faces a political witch-hunt organized by his adversaries.
Despite a current ban on running for office, Bolsonaro has expressed aspirations of returning to the political scene in 2026. However, if found guilty of the charges against him, he could face up to 40 years in prison, which jeopardizes his political ambitions.
The mounting issues surrounding Bolsonaro highlight both his health struggles and the intensifying legal challenges he faces in Brazil's political arena.
