Bolsonaro Discharged From ICU: Brazil Ex-President Health Update

Sāo Paulo – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been moved from intensive care to a semi-intensive care unit at DF Star Hospital in Brasília, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, announced Monday, according to reports from the Associated Press and Yahoo News.

The 70-year-vintage right-wing politician was admitted to the hospital on Friday with pneumonia, although serving a 27-year sentence for leading a coup attempt in 2023. Michelle Bolsonaro stated on Instagram that recent tests indicated reduced inflammation, contributing to the decision to transfer him to a less acute care setting.

Hospital DF Star confirmed Sunday that Bolsonaro’s kidney function had improved, though at that time, he remained in intensive care. The hospital did not immediately comment on the subsequent move to semi-intensive care.

Bolsonaro was temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical treatment. He was previously transferred from a local federal police headquarters to a larger cell in January, as his family and allies continue to petition Brazil’s Supreme Court for permission to serve his sentence under house arrest.

The former president, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has a history of hospitalizations, including treatment following a stabbing incident during a campaign event prior to the 2018 presidential election. He was likewise convicted on charges including leading an armed criminal organization and attempting the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, charges he denies.

His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator, is expected to contend for the presidency later this year against incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.