The former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, underwent an emergency surgical intervention around lunchtime this Thursday, December 25, to correct two inguinal hernias.
The operation, carried out at the DF Star Hospital, in Brasília, began at around 8:00 am local time (11:00 am in Lisbon) and lasted for around three and a half hours, ending shortly before 2:30 pm local time.
The procedure was classified as “successful” by his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro. Through social media, the former first lady reassured her supporters, saying that the procedure went “without complications” and that the family is now awaiting full recovery from the anesthesia.
This surgery marks the first time that the now nicknamed “Brasília prisoner”, currently 70 years old, leaves the Federal Police Superintendency facilities since he was incarcerated in November. The former Brazilian head of state is serving a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison for an attempted coup d’état, following the outcome of the 2022 elections.
Lots of security and digital isolation
The temporary departure for medical purposes was authorized by the judge of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Alexandre de Moraes. But hospital freedom is merely physical: Moraes imposed a strict security protocol. Two Federal Police agents permanently guard the room door, and inspection teams are positioned at strategic points in the medical center.
Furthermore, the former president is in complete digital isolation. Cell phones, computers or any communication device are prohibited from entering the room. Only Michelle Bolsonaro is allowed to accompany him continuously, and any other visit, including that of his children, depends on express judicial authorization.
Despite his poor health — worsened by the consequences of the attack he suffered in 2018, which caused him chronic bouts of hiccups and dizziness –, Bolsonaro’s name remains at the center of the electoral debate.
On the eve of the surgery, senator Flávio Bolsonaro confirmed to journalists that his father formally nominated him as the Liberal Party (PL) candidate for next year’s presidential elections.