Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Initially Denies, Then Authorizes Bolsonaro's Hospital Request After Prison Fall

Initial Denial of Hospital Request

Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes initially denied a request from former President Jair Bolsonaro's legal team for him to leave prison for hospital tests. The denial came on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after Bolsonaro reportedly fell and hit his head while in his cell. Justice de Moraes based his decision on an assessment by a Federal Police doctor, who found 'minor injuries' and did not identify an immediate need for hospital referral, recommending only observation.

Details of the Incident and Family Concerns

The incident occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday when Bolsonaro, 70, fell from his bed and hit his head. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, expressed significant concern on Instagram, stating that her husband had a 'crisis,' fell, and hit his head on furniture. She highlighted a delay in medical attention and voiced worries about potential 'trauma or neurological damage,' claiming he only received care when she visited.

Subsequent Authorization and Medical Examinations

Despite the initial denial, Justice Alexandre de Moraes later authorized Bolsonaro to be taken to a hospital for tests. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the former president was escorted from the federal police headquarters in Brasília to the nearby DF Star Hospital. There, he underwent a series of examinations, including a CT scan, an MRI, and an electroencephalogram (EEG). Following the tests, the DF Star Hospital issued a statement indicating that the examinations showed 'mild soft-tissue thickening in the frontal and right temporal regions' due to the trauma, but concluded that no additional treatment was required. Bolsonaro subsequently returned to prison.

Context of Bolsonaro's Incarceration

Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence. He was convicted for leading a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. His arrest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, came after a period of house arrest, with the Supreme Court citing concerns that he was a 'high flight risk' and had allegedly tampered with his ankle monitor.