Bolsonaro’s Health Worsens Amid Coup Examination

BRASILIA,⁢ brazil (AP) — Former Brazilian President‍ Jair Bolsonaro, ⁢70, experienced a “clinical ⁣worsening” Thursday, according to medical staff, while in the intensive care unit (ICU) of‍ a Brasilia⁢ hospital. This progress occurs as he faces potential trial for alleged involvement in a coup attempt.

Bolsonaro’s Recent⁢ Surgery and Health Complications

Bolsonaro is recovering from a 12-hour surgery performed on april 13 to address a partial intestinal obstruction. According to a medical report cited⁤ by The Globe, the former president,⁣ who⁣ served from 2019-2022, is showing “clinical worsening” with⁢ increased⁣ blood pressure and ⁤deteriorating liver function tests.⁣ Doctors are scheduled to conduct new imaging⁣ tests.

Notification of Legal Proceedings

The ⁢health⁣ setback‍ coincides with the Supreme Court’s decision to notify bolsonaro in person about the criminal process against him for allegedly leading a ⁣coup conspiracy ⁢against Luiz ⁤Inacio Lula da Silva. A judicial official visited Bolsonaro at the DF Star hospital to deliver the notification,⁣ giving his lawyers five⁤ days⁣ to present⁢ a defense.

ICU Livestream Sparks Controversy

The‍ Supreme Court initially ⁢delayed the⁤ notification, awaiting Bolsonaro’s discharge. However, ⁤judges reactivated ⁢the notification after Bolsonaro⁢ participated in⁤ a⁢ two-hour livestream from his ICU room. The livestream,which included Bolsonaro’s children and retired pilot Nelson Piquet,sparked⁣ controversy. A video of Bolsonaro questioning the judicial officer, “are you ⁣aware that⁤ I am‍ in the ICU?” became a major topic of discussion in Brazil.

Recurring Intestinal Issues

bolsonaro’s⁣ recurring intestinal problems stem from a stabbing he endured⁤ during the 2018 election campaign. This marks his sixth ‍surgery to address the effects of that attack. This surgery was notably lengthy, involving ‍the removal of‍ adhesions and reconstruction of ⁢the abdominal⁣ wall, described by doctors as an extremely complex⁤ intervention.

Facing Criminal ⁤Charges

Bolsonaro faces accusations ‍of five crimes, including⁣ attempted coup and abolition of the rule of law, possibly leading to a ⁢prison sentence exceeding 40 years. Several of his ‍former close associates, including four⁤ generals, are also expected to stand trial.This marks⁢ the first time in Brazil that military officials⁢ of such high rank will be judged for a coup attempt.

Current⁣ Medical‍ Status

According to Thursday’s medical report,⁣ bolsonaro “continues in an oral fasting‍ and receives ⁣exclusively parenteral nutrition.‍ Continue with motor physiotherapy and measures to prevent venous thrombosis. The proposal of not receiving visits is maintained and there is no high forecast of the UCI.”

Previous Discharge⁣ Hopes

Prior to the recent setback, Bolsonaro had expressed hope for a discharge by Monday, April 28, with daily reports indicating improvement and intestinal activity. While in the ICU, Bolsonaro has released videos showing himself undergoing physiotherapy surrounded by medical staff.