Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to the intensive care unit of a Brasilia hospital after developing severe bronchopneumonia, medical officials confirmed Friday. The 70-year-old political leader, currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overthrow Brazil’s democratic system, was transferred from prison after experiencing concerning symptoms including high fever, chills, vomiting, and dangerously low oxygen levels.
According to DF Star Hospital, Bolsonaro is receiving intravenous antibiotics and non-invasive clinical support to treat the aspiration-induced bronchopneumonia. His eldest son, Flávio Bolsonaro, initially announced the hospitalization via social media, requesting prayers for his father’s recovery while revealing his own presidential ambitions for the upcoming election cycle.
The hospitalization marks the latest in a series of medical emergencies for the former president, who has faced significant health challenges since surviving a stabbing attack during his 2018 presidential campaign. In January, he underwent neurological examinations at the same facility following a fall from his bed in prison.
Bolsonaro’s legal troubles stem from his September conviction by Brazil’s Supreme Court, which found him guilty of leading an armed criminal organization and plotting to violently overthrow the democratic government. The elaborate scheme allegedly included assassination plans targeting current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, along with orchestrating the January 2023 insurrection attempts.
The political significance of Bolsonaro’s hospitalization is amplified by recent polling data showing competitive numbers between his political movement and the current administration, with Flávio Bolsonaro positioning himself as a potential presidential contender despite his father’s incarceration and ongoing legal battles.