Brazil’s top court blocks Bolsonaro hospital transfer after the former president suffered a head injury from a fall inside his prison cell, drawing national and international attention. Despite requests from his legal team and statements from his wife suggesting medical tests were needed, authorities ruled that the injuries were minor and did not justify an emergency transfer.
The decision was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who rejected a request to move Jair Bolsonaro from prison to a hospital in Brasília. Officials said medical evaluations conducted by police doctors found no urgent need for hospitalization.
Bolsonaro Injured After Fall in Prison Cell
According to a statement shared by Michelle Bolsonaro, the former president fell from his bed while in custody and struck his head on nearby furniture. She said he was expected to undergo medical tests to assess the injury.
Bolsonaro, who is 70 years old, is currently being held at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília. His fall raised immediate concerns due to his medical history and past health complications, prompting his defense team to seek court approval for a hospital transfer.
Police Doctors Find No Serious Injuries
Federal police confirmed that Bolsonaro was examined by a police-appointed doctor on Tuesday morning. The medical assessment reportedly identified only minor injuries, concluding that hospitalization was not necessary at that time.
These findings played a central role in the court’s decision. Authorities emphasized that while the fall was documented, there was no medical evidence of urgent or life-threatening conditions that would justify removing Bolsonaro from custody for emergency care.
Supreme Court Denies Emergency Hospital Request
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has overseen several key rulings related to Bolsonaro, denied the emergency request for hospital transfer. In his decision, de Moraes stressed that any temporary release from prison for medical reasons requires prior judicial authorization.
The judge stated there was no indication of an immediate health risk. However, he did not fully close the door on future medical evaluations.
Court Allows Pre-Approved Medical Examinations
While rejecting the emergency transfer, the court ruled that Bolsonaro’s defense team may request medical examinations under specific conditions. Any such request must be submitted in advance, include clear medical justification, and follow established legal procedures.
This ruling reflects the court’s effort to balance prison regulations, medical needs, and legal oversight, ensuring that medical care is available without undermining custody rules.
Bolsonaro’s History of Medical Issues
Bolsonaro has a well-documented medical history. In 2018, he was stabbed in the abdomen during his presidential campaign, leading to multiple surgeries over the years.
More recently, he was temporarily released from prison in late December to undergo hernia-related procedures and receive treatment for persistent hiccups. Following those treatments, he was returned to custody on January 1.
This background has fueled ongoing debate over how his health should be managed while he serves his sentence.
Serving 27-Year Sentence Over Coup Plot
The former president is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The case marked one of the most significant political trials in modern Brazilian history.
His imprisonment and subsequent legal challenges continue to polarize public opinion in Brazil, with supporters raising concerns over his treatment and critics insisting that the law is being applied appropriately.
Final Takeaway
As Brazil’s top court blocks Bolsonaro hospital transfer, the ruling reinforces a strict legal standard for medical releases from custody. While Jair Bolsonaro did suffer a fall and head injury, authorities concluded that the situation did not warrant emergency hospitalization. The broader message from the court is clear: medical care remains accessible, but only within established legal boundaries. As Bolsonaro continues to serve his sentence, further health-related requests will likely face close judicial scrutiny.
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