Brazil: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone what doctors described as a ‘successful’ surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, according to a statement by his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro.
The 70-year-old, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overthrow Brazil’s democratic system, was temporarily released from custody to undergo the procedure at DF Star Hospital in Brasília. It marked his first time outside prison since late November.
Michelle Bolsonaro stated that, “Successful surgery completed, without complications. Now we wait for him to wake up from anaesthesia.” Bolsonaro was granted court permission to leave prison after federal police doctors confirmed the surgery was medically necessary.
Physicians said the former president had been suffering significant pain from a double inguinal hernia. Doctors estimate his hospital stay will last between five and seven days.
The operation addressed a protrusion in the groin area caused by a tear in the abdominal muscles. Dr. Claudio Birolini remarked that, “It is a complex surgery. But it is a standardized, scheduled procedure, so we expect it to be carried out without major complications.”
Following the operation, doctors will assess whether Bolsonaro can undergo an additional procedure involving blockage of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, to treat his recurrent hiccups, Birolini added.
Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has undergone multiple surgeries since being stabbed in the abdomen during a campaign rally in 2018. Bolsonaro was also recently diagnosed with skin cancer.
Conviction and confinement
Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro in September after finding him guilty of leading a plot to prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office following the 2022 election. Prosecutors stated that the scheme aimed to maintain power and undermine democratic institutions.
Bolsonaro has denied all wrongdoing, insisting he is the victim of political persecution. He is currently being held at the federal police headquarters in Brasília, confined to a small room equipped with a minibar, air conditioning and a television.
Succession move
Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, told reporters that his father had written a letter formally endorsing him as the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate for next year’s election.
Flavio, who announced on December 5 that he would challenge President Lula, read the handwritten letter to journalists ahead of the surgery. A copy was later released to the media. Flavio said the letter was intended to remove any uncertainty about his father’s backing.
A panel convicted Bolsonaro and several close allies of Supreme Court justices for attempting to overturn Brazil’s democratic order following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
RELATED | Brazil Supreme Court to investigate Bolsonaro role in anti-government riots
