Brazil Supreme Court Denies Jair Bolsonaro House Arrest Request

The Supreme Court of Brazil denied a request by Jair Bolsonaro to serve his 27-year prison sentence under house arrest following recent surgery. Judge Alexandre de Moraes ruled that the health of Bolsonaro has not worsened despite claims from defense lawyers regarding chronic hiccups and respiratory risks. The former leader remains incarcerated for a coup attempt following his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.Lawyers for the former president argued for humanitarian release citing sleep apnea and complications from a 2018 stabbing incident during his campaign. The court maintained that the current medical treatment provided in a federal facility is sufficient to manage his postoperative recovery from hernia surgery. This decision comes as conservative allies in the legislature attempt to pass laws that would significantly reduce the length of his incarceration.Bolsonaro has consistently denied any involvement in a plot to stay in power and described the ongoing legal proceedings as a targeted political persecution. While he remains in a federal police headquarters in Brasilia, he has endorsed Flavio Bolsonaro as a potential candidate for the 2026 presidential election. Current leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to veto any legislative attempts to grant his predecessor early release or amnesty.