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5h ago

Bolsonaro Leaves House Arrest for Medical Exams Ahead of Supreme Court Verdict

The judge-approved medical leave underscores the countdown to the early September decision by a five-justice panel on his alleged coup conspiracy.

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Demonstrators rally in support of former President Jair Bolsonaro at the entrance to his residential complex, to denounce his house arrest order by the Supreme Court, in Brasília, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, center, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical exams, departs a hospital in Brasília, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, right, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical exams, departs a hospital in Brasília, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Overview

  • He left his Brasília residence on Saturday under court-approved medical leave to undergo gastrointestinal exams after being placed under house arrest on Aug. 4 for violating a ban on public social media use.
  • If convicted on the coup charge he could face up to 12 years in prison, with combined sentences on related counts potentially amounting to decades behind bars.
  • Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet’s July filing cited handwritten notes, digital files, message exchanges, spreadsheets and plea-bargain testimony from lieutenant-colonel Mauro Cid to document a plot to overturn the 2022 election.
  • Defence lawyers submitted a 197-page closing brief on Aug. 14 arguing that Bolsonaro authorised a peaceful transfer of power and that the evidence presented was insufficient to convict.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly defended Bolsonaro, sanctioned Justice Alexandre de Moraes and imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, escalating bilateral tensions.