Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro defies medical advice to attend a political rally supporting amnesty for his jailed supporters, just days after being discharged from a grueling three-week hospital stay following his seventh and most complex abdominal surgery since a 2018 assassination attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Bolsonaro underwent his seventh and most complex abdominal surgery on April 13, spending 17 days in intensive care
- Despite doctors’ warnings, Bolsonaro plans to attend a rally supporting amnesty for supporters involved in the January 8, 2023 protests
- Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to prosecute Bolsonaro for his alleged role in a coup plot following his election defeat
- Though barred from running in upcoming elections, Bolsonaro remains politically active despite ongoing legal challenges
- Doctors described his recovery as miraculous but warned about the risk of relapse if he returns to political activities too quickly
Miraculous Recovery After Life-Threatening Surgery
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been discharged from the DF Star Hospital in Brasilia after undergoing a complex 12-hour abdominal surgery on April 13. The 70-year-old conservative leader spent three weeks hospitalized, including 17 days in intensive care, following what doctors described as his most difficult operation since the 2018 stabbing attack that severely damaged his digestive system. Upon his release, Bolsonaro walked out under his own power and was greeted by supporters waving Brazilian flags, showing remarkable resilience despite the severity of his condition.
The surgery addressed an intestinal obstruction resulting from the 2018 assassination attempt during a campaign rally. Bolsonaro underwent extensive physical therapy and was initially fed through a feeding tube before transitioning to a soft oral diet. Doctors have been impressed with his recovery, noting no complications, pain, fever, or blood pressure issues. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bolsonaro expressed his thanks for his remarkable recovery.
“Thank you, my God, for this miracle,” said Jair Bolsonaro.
Defying Medical Advice for Political Rally
Despite his doctors’ explicit warnings, Bolsonaro has announced plans to attend a rally in Brasilia organized to support amnesty for his supporters involved in the January 8, 2023 protests, which leftist politicians characterized as an insurrection. During those events, protesters entered government buildings to express their concerns about election integrity. The former president’s medical team has strongly advised against his attendance at the gathering due to his fragile recovery state, but Bolsonaro appears determined to show support for those he believes are political prisoners.
“We have advised against it,” said Dr. Claudio Birolini, one of Bolsonaro’s surgeons.
Prior to his hospitalization, Bolsonaro had been planning a political tour through northeastern Brazil to promote his party’s agenda ahead of future elections. Though legally barred from running for office, he remains a powerful political figure whose endorsement carries significant weight. His determination to resume political activities demonstrates his commitment to opposing the current leftist government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, despite the significant health risks involved.
Legal Challenges Mounting
Bolsonaro’s health struggles coincide with mounting legal challenges that threaten his political future. Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to prosecute him for his alleged role in what they characterize as a coup plot to prevent Lula da Silva’s inauguration following the disputed 2022 election. These charges are part of a broader pattern of legal persecution that conservative leaders throughout Latin America have faced after leaving office, raising concerns about politically motivated prosecutions.
“Back home, renewed,” Bolsonaro stated upon his hospital release, signaling his intention to continue his political fight.
Though barred from seeking office until 2030, Bolsonaro’s continued popularity poses a significant challenge to Lula’s administration. His supporters remain steadfast, viewing him as a bulwark against socialism in Brazil. The upcoming rally supporting amnesty for January 8 protesters represents a direct challenge to the current government’s narrative and judicial actions. Despite physical frailty from his recent surgery, Bolsonaro’s political resilience mirrors his physical recovery, demonstrating a determination to remain at the center of Brazilian politics despite ongoing persecution.
