Jair Bolsonaro, still recovering from a complex 12-hour surgery, defies medical advice to rally supporters amid accusations of attempting to overthrow Brazil’s government.
Key Takeaways
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged after spending 17 days in intensive care following his seventh and most complex abdominal surgery related to a 2018 stabbing attack.
- Despite doctors advising against it, Bolsonaro plans to attend a rally supporting amnesty for his supporters involved in vandalizing government buildings on January 8, 2023.
- Brazil’s Supreme Court is prosecuting Bolsonaro for his alleged role in a 2023 coup plot to prevent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s inauguration.
- Though barred from running in future elections, Bolsonaro remained politically active and was planning campaign activities before his health deteriorated.
- His medical team has warned about the risk of relapse, highlighting the ongoing health challenges stemming from the 2018 attack.
Bolsonaro’s Medical Journey and Miraculous Recovery
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been discharged from DF Star Hospital in Brasilia after undergoing a complex 12-hour abdominal surgery to fix an intestinal obstruction. The procedure, performed on April 13, was his seventh operation since being stabbed during a campaign rally in 2018. The attack caused long-term damage to his digestive system, requiring multiple surgical interventions throughout his 2019-2022 presidency. This latest operation was described by doctors as the most difficult since the original stabbing incident.
Despite the severity of his condition, which required 17 days in intensive care with physical therapy and nutrition through a feeding tube, the 70-year-old conservative leader left the hospital on his own power and immediately greeted supporters waiting outside. His medical team has expressed amazement at his progress, though they remain cautious about his continued recovery. Bolsonaro himself has acknowledged the gravity of his condition and the remarkable nature of his recovery.
“Thank you, my God, for this miracle,” said Jair Bolsonaro.
Political Activity Despite Medical Warnings
In a move that highlights Bolsonaro’s unyielding political determination, the former president has announced plans to attend a rally in Brasilia supporting amnesty for his supporters. These individuals were involved in protests on January 8, 2023, when government buildings were vandalized following Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat. This decision comes despite explicit medical advice against such activities, showing his commitment to his political base even at potential risk to his own health.
“We have advised against it,” said Claudio Birolini, one of Bolsonaro’s doctors.
Bolsonaro’s determination to remain politically active is particularly notable given his transition from intravenous feeding to a soft oral diet has only recently been completed without complications. His doctors report his recovery is progressing well with no pain or fever and stable blood pressure, yet they maintain concerns about potential setbacks if he rushes back into the political arena too quickly. Nevertheless, Bolsonaro seems intent on returning to his role as a conservative standard-bearer.
Legal Challenges Amid Health Struggles
While battling health issues, Bolsonaro faces mounting legal troubles that threaten to derail his political future. Brazil’s Supreme Court has decided to prosecute him for his alleged involvement in a plot to prevent the inauguration of current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This serious accusation comes at a time when Bolsonaro is already barred from running in the next presidential election, yet was still planning political activities to promote his party’s agenda before his health deteriorated.
“Back home, renewed,” declared Bolsonaro upon his hospital release, signaling his intent to continue his political fight.
Bolsonaro’s continued popularity with his conservative base was evident as supporters gathered outside the hospital to greet him upon discharge. Despite the left-wing government’s attempts to marginalize him through legal proceedings, these supporters display unwavering loyalty to the man they still consider their president. The government’s pursuit of charges against Bolsonaro while he recovers from life-threatening surgery has further galvanized his supporters, who view these legal challenges as politically motivated persecution rather than legitimate justice.
