BRASÍLIA, BRAZIL — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from the DF Star Hospital in Brasília on Sunday after a three-week stay following major abdominal surgery. The 70-year-old underwent a 12-hour operation to treat an intestinal obstruction, a complication stemming from a 2018 stabbing during his presidential campaign.
Upon his release, Bolsonaro addressed supporters and media, expressing concern over the sentences of up to 17 years handed to individuals involved in the January 2023 storming of government buildings. He stated, “What hurts the most is seeing innocent people with sentences of up to 17 years in prison. Some say amnesty is forgiveness and what happened is unforgivable. But there was no bloodshed, no firearms—nothing.”
Bolsonaro announced plans to participate in the “Peaceful March for Humanitarian Amnesty” scheduled for May 7, aiming to advocate for leniency towards his supporters convicted over the 2023 riots. However, his surgeon, Claudio Birolini, advised against his participation, citing the need for a recovery period of three to four weeks and cautioning against exposure to crowds and physical exertion.
he former president’s call for amnesty aligns with a bill currently under consideration in Congress, which could potentially benefit Bolsonaro himself. He is barred from holding public office until 2030 following a Supreme Court ruling that found him guilty of abusing power and misusing public media during the 2022 election campaign.
Additionally, Bolsonaro faces legal challenges, including a Supreme Court mandate to stand trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election results—a charge he denies. The alleged coup plot reportedly included plans to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge.
Despite medical advice and ongoing legal issues, Bolsonaro remains active in political discourse, continuing to rally support among his base and advocating for the release of his supporters convicted in connection with the 2023 unrest.
Source; Al Jazeera
