Brazil court rejects Bolsonaro’s latest appeal as health concerns grow

Saturday 20 December 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Brazil court rejects Bolsonaro’s latest appeal as health concerns grow

The Brazilian Supreme Court has dismissed former President Jair Bolsonaro’s most recent appeal against his conviction for plotting a coup, citing procedural grounds that rendered the case inadmissible. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that the appeal could not proceed because only one of the five judges had voted to acquit Bolsonaro, falling short of the two votes required by law for such an appeal to be heard.

Bolsonaro’s legal team had sought to overturn the ruling by arguing that the original judgment contained contradictions and procedural ambiguities. Despite that claim, the court reaffirmed the verdict that found the former leader guilty of orchestrating a plan to prevent his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from assuming office after the 2022 election. Prosecutors alleged that the effort included discussions of extreme measures and attempts to solicit military support, though the plan ultimately collapsed due to the armed forces’ refusal to cooperate. Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.

Medical concerns and judicial authorization

As legal proceedings continue, Bolsonaro’s medical condition has raised concerns within the Federal Police facility where he is detained in Brasília. A recent medical examination concluded that he suffers from a hernia and recurrent violent hiccups, both requiring urgent surgical attention. Doctors have recommended a nerve-blocking procedure and timely surgery to prevent further complications. Justice Moraes is expected to decide whether to authorize his temporary release from custody to undergo treatment.

Bolsonaro’s health problems trace back to 2018, when he survived a knife attack during his presidential campaign. Since then, he has undergone multiple abdominal surgeries and continues to experience periodic digestive issues linked to that injury.

Political maneuvering amid controversy

The developments unfold as the Brazilian Congress, dominated by Bolsonaro’s conservative allies, approved legislation that could significantly reduce his prison sentence from 27 years to just over two. President Lula has promised to veto the bill, arguing that it undermines judicial authority and accountability for assaults on democratic institutions. Government ministers have criticized the move as a political maneuver intended to shield allies convicted of anti-democratic acts, while Bolsonaro’s camp views it as a step toward correcting what they describe as judicial overreach.