Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro spent the night in a hospital after a sudden health emergency. His family confirmed that doctors are keeping him under observation. Bolsonaro, 70, has been under house arrest in Brasilia since August after his conviction for plotting a coup.
Sudden Health Emergency
On Tuesday, Bolsonaro experienced a dramatic episode. According to his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former leader had violent hiccups that lasted several minutes and caused him to stop breathing for “almost 10 seconds.” Soon after, he began vomiting severely, which prompted an urgent trip to the hospital.
Consequently, doctors quickly admitted him and provided intravenous medication. “He is stable but doesn’t look well,” Flavio told reporters outside the hospital. Moreover, AFP journalists saw prison guards stationed at the hospital to ensure security.
Ongoing Health Struggles
Bolsonaro’s health issues are not new. In fact, he has faced several complications since he was stabbed in the abdomen while campaigning for president in 2018. Over the years, he has undergone multiple surgeries to address these injuries.
Just two days before this latest episode, on Sunday, Bolsonaro had eight skin lesions removed for biopsies. Furthermore, his physician, Claudio Birolini, revealed that Bolsonaro appeared “quite weak” and had developed slight anemia, likely due to poor nutrition over the last month.
Coup Conviction and Sentencing
Last week, Bolsonaro’s legal troubles deepened. A Brazilian court convicted him of plotting to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in the 2022 election. As a result, he received a 27-year prison sentence following a 4-1 vote by the judges.
However, Bolsonaro’s lawyers immediately announced plans to appeal the ruling. They also cited his poor health as the main reason he did not attend the final phase of the trial.
Political and International Reactions
The conviction triggered intense political and international reactions. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump openly defended Bolsonaro. He imposed a 50-percent tariff on several Brazilian imports and condemned the court ruling as a “witch hunt.”
Additionally, the Trump administration sanctioned one of the judges who voted to convict Bolsonaro, escalating tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s allies in Brazil’s Congress began pushing for an amnesty bill that could prevent him from going to prison.
Uncertain Future
As Bolsonaro remains in the hospital, his health crisis has added another layer of uncertainty to his political fate. On one hand, his condition is currently stable. On the other hand, his future hinges on the appeal process and the growing political movement calling for his release.
Overall, while doctors focus on stabilizing his health, Bolsonaro’s supporters and opponents brace for the next chapter in this high-stakes political battle.