Bolsonaro to Remain Under House Arrest for Health Reasons

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will remain under house arrest, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled, citing the former president's health condition.

Bolsonaro has been serving a 27-year sentence since November for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His defense team had requested that he be allowed to continue serving his sentence at home, arguing that he has better access to medical care there.

Bolsonaro, 71, has long-standing health issues, some linked to a knife attack he suffered during the 2018 campaign. Moraes had already authorized his transfer to house arrest for 90 days in March, following his hospitalization for acute pneumonia.

The latest ruling comes after police seized a firearm belonging to Bolsonaro from a member of his security detail during a routine check. Attorney General Paulo Gonet nonetheless recommended that the former president remain under house arrest. Moraes said there is no evidence of serious misconduct on Bolsonaro's part.

(Reuters, Lud)