Brazil's Supreme Federal Court Authorizes Medical Care for Bolsonaro Under House Arrest

Judicial Authorization for Medical Treatment

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has granted authorization for former President Jair Bolsonaro to receive medical visits and undergo necessary treatment at his residence. The decision, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on October 15, 2025, specifies that Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, may also be hospitalized in emergency situations. In such cases, the court must be notified within 24 hours with verified evidence. All medical visits and procedures are required to comply with established legal and judicial requirements.

Background of House Arrest and Conviction

The authorization comes as Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest, a measure imposed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro was placed under house arrest in August 2025, with subsequent rulings reaffirming this status. This judicial action followed his conviction for plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. A panel of Supreme Court justices sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison in September 2025. The house arrest includes precautionary measures such as a ban on cell phone use, access to social media, and the confiscation of his passport.

Bolsonaro's Health Concerns and Previous Authorizations

Bolsonaro's health has been a recurring concern, necessitating several medical interventions. In August 2025, Justice de Moraes had previously authorized him to temporarily leave house arrest for medical examinations at a hospital in Brasília. During that visit, doctors evaluated him for symptoms including fever, cough, persistent gastroesophageal reflux, and hiccups, revealing residual signs of two recent pulmonary infections, esophagitis, and gastritis. He had also undergone surgery for a bowel obstruction in April 2025. More recently, on September 15, 2025, Bolsonaro temporarily left house arrest for surgery to remove eight skin lesions and was diagnosed with anemia.

Ongoing Legal Landscape

Despite the conviction and house arrest, Bolsonaro's legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Court. Justice de Moraes has consistently maintained that the house arrest is 'necessary and appropriate' to ensure public order and the full application of criminal law, citing Bolsonaro's conviction and alleged violations of precautionary measures. The recent medical authorization ensures that while under judicial supervision, the former president's health needs can be addressed.