Brazilian former Head of State, sentenced to 27 years in prison for leading a criminal structure with putschistic aims in 2022, showed physical deterioration on March 13 while being detained, which prompted his urgent transfer to a medical center.

Brazilian Prosecutor General’s Office on Monday, March 23, supported granting house arrest to former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is hospitalized with severe pneumonia while serving a 27-year sentence for his role in a coup attempt against the country’s democracy.

This recommendation was submitted to the Supreme Federal Court, emphasizing the urgent need for continuous medical care due to Bolsonaro’s precarious health condition.

RELATED: Brazil Supreme Court Rejects Bolsonaro House Arrest Request

The pronouncement by Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet underscored the necessity of replacing imprisonment with a house arrest measure. Gonet’s official opinion highlighted that Bolsonaro’s current state of health renders him vulnerable to sudden complications, which could severely worsen without specialized attention. This legal backing comes amidst growing concerns over the former Head of State’s physical decline.

Jair Bolsonaro, 71 years old, experienced a significant health deterioration on March 13 while in detention. This abrupt decline necessitated his urgent transfer to a medical care facility. Upon arrival at the Star hospital in Brasilia, he was immediately admitted to intensive care with symptoms that included excessive sweating, chills, and critically low blood oxygen levels, indicating a severe health crisis.

Doctors subsequently diagnosed Bolsonaro with bilateral bacterial bronchopneumonia, presumably of aspiratory origin. His defense team renewed their request for house arrest, citing his critical condition and the need for specialized care beyond prison capabilities.

In response to the defense’s plea, Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the enforcement of Bolsonaro’s sentence, sought the opinion of the Prosecutor General’s Office before making a definitive decision. This standard judicial procedure ensures all legal aspects and medical evidence are thoroughly reviewed prior to granting any change in incarceration terms.

Bolsonaro was convicted last September by the Supreme Federal Court to 27 years and three months in prison, founded guilty of five distinct crimes against the democratic system of Brazil. Prosecutors proved he orchestrated and led a criminal structure with aims to overturn the results of the 2022 elections.

The conviction specifically detailed his efforts to incite unrest and challenge the legitimate electoral victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This coup attempt represented a grave threat to Brazil’s institutional stability and democratic principles, leading to a stringent legal response from the country’s highest court.

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