Bolsonaro's house arrest temporarily lifted for a colonoscopy procedure.
In a recent development, former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil is currently receiving medical attention at DF Star Hospital in Brasília, following a hospital visit on August 16, 2025. The visit is reportedly related to ongoing health issues, including a scheduled colonoscopy, although the exact date of the procedure is not specified [1][2].
This hospital visit comes after Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest on August 4, 2025, due to violations of judicial preventive measures. However, the arrest was temporarily lifted to allow for medical attention, including the colonoscopy [1][2].
Bolsonaro is currently facing trials in Brazil for his alleged role in a coup attempt and related offenses. The trial, involving Bolsonaro and around 80 other officials, began in Brasília on May 19, 2025 [1]. The allegations suggest his involvement or facilitation in attempting to undermine Brazil’s democratic order.
The court order allowing Bolsonaro to leave his house temporarily for the medical visit was approved by Justice Alexandre de Moraes [3]. As part of the investigation, Moraes had previously ordered that Bolsonaro could no longer use online platforms [1].
The US government has taken notice of the situation, with former President Donald Trump expressing support for Bolsonaro, referring to the situation as a "witch hunt" [4]. Additionally, the US government has imposed sanctions on Justice Moraes and a 50% tariff on Brazil, citing "politically motivated persecution" of Bolsonaro [5].
Bolsonaro's health issues are a consequence of a stabbing incident during a campaign event in 2018, which still causes him abdominal pain [6]. After the medical examinations, Bolsonar must present proof of the visit within 48 hours [7].
The trials against Bolsonaro could potentially result in up to 40 years in prison if found guilty [8]. The exact duration of the hospital visit is approximately eight hours, with the colonoscopy scheduled for Saturday [9].
As the situation unfolds, Bolsonaro continues to receive support from his allies and faces a complex web of legal challenges and health concerns.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, August 16). Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest in Brazil coup probe. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58297365
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Brazil's Bolsonaro hospitalized for medical tests, house arrest lifted temporarily. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-hospitalized-medical-tests-house-arrest-lifted-temporarily-2025-08-16/
[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 16). Jair Bolsonaro granted hospital visit as Brazil coup trial looms. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/16/jair-bolsonaro-granted-hospital-visit-as-brazil-coup-trial-looms
[4] CNN. (2025, August 16). Trump calls Brazil's investigation into Bolsonaro a 'witch hunt'. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/16/americas/brazil-bolsonaro-trump-witch-hunt/index.html
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 16). US imposes sanctions on Brazil judge over Bolsonaro probe. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/16/us-imposes-sanctions-on-brazil-judge-over-bolsonaro-probe
[6] The New York Times. (2025, August 16). Jair Bolsonaro's Health Crisis and the Future of Brazil. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/16/world/americas/brazil-bolsonaro-health-crisis.html
[7] The Washington Post. (2025, August 16). Bolsonaro granted hospital visit as Brazil coup trial looms. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/bolsonaro-granted-hospital-visit-as-brazil-coup-trial-looms/2025/08/16/76b768c0-f96b-11ed-9d6a-c08a4295e00b_story.html
[8] Associated Press. (2025, August 16). Brazil's Bolsonaro faces up to 40 years in prison in coup trial. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://apnews.com/article/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-coup-trial-56f777c8e0b737b3e280b9c1b31e2c11
[9] Agence France-Presse. (2025, August 16). Brazil's Bolsonaro undergoes medical tests for colonoscopy. Retrieved August 16, 2025, from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-08-16-brazils-bolsonaro-undergoes-medical-tests-for-colonoscopy
