Brazil’s jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, according to a medical report from DF Star Hospital cited by Reuters.
The 70-year-old man was taken to hospital early on Friday, March 13, after suffering from high fever, chills and a drop in oxygen saturation, doctors said.
The condition is described as serious
Doctors treating Bolsonaro said the former president’s condition is serious and he is likely to remain hospitalized for the next few days as he undergoes treatment and monitoring in the ICU.
Bolsonaro has faced several health complications in recent years, often linked to injuries he suffered in a 2018 knife attack while campaigning for the presidency.
A long history of health problems
The former leader, who ruled Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has undergone several operations and hospital visits since the 2018 attack.
After falling and hitting his head, he was hospitalized in January for medical examinations, and in December he underwent procedures to treat a hernia and persistent hiccups.
Serving 27 years in prison
Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of plotting a coup after the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The case remained politically controversial in Brazil and internationally.
Lawyers are seeking a visit from an American adviser in prison
In a separate development, Bolsonaro’s lawyers asked Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court to allow Darren Beattie, a US official recently appointed to a senior advisory role overseeing Brazilian politics, to visit the former president in prison.
According to court documents, the attorneys requested “exceptional permission” to visit on March 16 or March 17.
Ties to Donald Trump
Bolsonaro was a close political ally of Donald Trump during their time in office. Trump previously called Bolsonaro’s trial a “witch hunt.”
The Trump administration imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods last year, citing persecution of the former president.
