São Paulo (EFE).- Judicial sources confirmed on Friday that an expert report by the Brazilian Federal Police concluded that former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022) can remain in prison despite his «undeniable» health issues.
The experts acknowledged that the 70-year-old far-right leader’s clinical condition requires specialized healthcare. However, they deem his ailments compatible with his continued stay at the Brasília penitentiary known as «Papudinha.»
The report, conducted on Jan. 20, was anticipated by the former president’s lawyers, who were confident it would support their argument that he does not meet the conditions to remain in a closed regime, thus allowing him to obtain house arrest for «humanitarian» reasons.
This week, the defense of the former head of state said his health had worsened in recent days, with new episodes of vomiting and accentuated bouts of hiccups, disorders he has suffered from for months.
After receiving the report, Judge Alexandre de Moraes, the case’s rapporteur, gave the lawyers and the Prosecutor’s Office five days to comment on the Federal Police’s conclusions and present their considerations.
The document stated that Bolsonaro’s chronic ailments, including hypertension, severe sleep apnea syndrome, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intra-abdominal adhesions, «do not, for the moment, generate the need for transfer» from prison.
However, the experts observe an increased risk of falls, similar to the incident in early 2026 when he collapsed while walking, resulting in mild head trauma, a risk heightened if he is not under «continuous surveillance.»
The former president, sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup, experienced that mishap during his confinement in a room at the Federal Police Superintendency in Brasília.
Following that incident, the Supreme Court transferred him to «Papudinha,» where he has more space.
According to the document, Bolsonaro exhibits «neurological signs and symptoms that increase the potential risk of additional falls, necessitating further diagnostic evaluation.»
The experts also indicated that his medications can cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, which increases the risk of falling further.
Thus, they recommend installing support bars in the shower, emergency bells, and real-time monitoring equipment in the cell. They also suggest a diet prescribed by a specialist and physical exercise.
They criticized the ultra-right leader’s diet as «poor» in fruits and vegetables and high in ultra-processed foods and refined sugars.
On Sep. 11, 2025, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for «leading» a coup plot involving military personnel and former ministers after losing the 2022 elections to the current Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The retired army captain started serving his sentence in late Nov. 2025. EFE
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