In brief
Jair Bolsonaro, the jailed former president of Brazil, has had a successful operation for a double hernia. While serving a 27-year sentence for his role in a coup attempt, he endorsed his son Flávio's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election. Bolsonaro's operation took place in Brasília, where he was granted medical leave from federal police headquarters. His letter of endorsement highlights the ongoing political dynamics even as he faces legal challenges and a potential reduction in his sentence.
The jailed ex-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has undergone a successful surgery for a double hernia, according to his wife Michelle.
Serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro was allowed to leave federal police headquarters for the procedure in a Brasília hospital.
Before the surgery, Bolsonaro publicly endorsed the candidacy of his eldest son, Flávio, for the 2026 presidential race.
The former president's handwritten letter, shared by Flávio outside the hospital, emphasizes a familial commitment to Brazil's future: I hand over what is most important in the life of a father - my own son for the mission of rescuing our country, Brazil.
Despite his imprisonment and a recent guilty verdict for coup-plotting, Bolsonaro continues to wield significant political influence, as reflected in legislative discussions regarding a bill that could reduce his sentence, which President Lula has pledged to veto.
Bolsonaro is expected to return to federal police headquarters once his doctors provide clearance.
