The jailed ex-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has undergone a successful surgery for a double hernia, his wife Michelle says. The former leader is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Brazil's Supreme Court granted permission for the 70-year-old to be transferred from the federal police headquarters where he is serving his sentence to a hospital in Brasília for the procedure. Ahead of the surgery, Bolsonaro endorsed his eldest son Flávio's candidacy for the 2026 presidential race.
The former president made his decision known in a handwritten letter read out by Flávio outside the hospital. In it, he emphasized the importance of his mission to defend Brazil, handing over his political aspirations to his son. Flávio, a 44-year-old senator, has already announced his intent to run under their father's Liberal Party banner.
Despite a recent ruling shortening Bolsonaro's sentence, President Lula intends to veto this decision. Bolsonaro's political influence remains strong despite his imprisonment, as his letter and son's campaign announcement indicate possible continuity of his legacy.
