Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from the DF Star hospital late on Thursday and returned to the custody of the Federal Police in Brasília, hospital and judicial sources confirmed.
Bolsonaro hospital discharge and return to custody
A convoy of motorbikes from the Federal District Military Police and unmarked black cars left the hospital in Asa Sul at about 18:40 and proceeded to the Federal Police headquarters, a few kilometres away, where Bolsonaro has been detained since November. The transfer followed a period of treatment that began on 24 February.
Bolsonaro underwent surgery for a bilateral inguinal hernia during his stay. Medical staff subsequently monitored complications related to persistent hiccups. On 31 March he underwent an endoscopy that identified ongoing oesophagitis and gastritis, prompting doctors to assess whether further procedures were necessary to stabilise his condition.
Doctors reported an improvement in the hiccups on Wednesday and had scheduled the discharge for Thursday provided no new complications arose. After the medical team cleared him, he was transported under police escort back to the Federal Police superintendence.
The move to return Bolsonaro to detention came after a legal request by his defence to move him to house arrest on humanitarian grounds was rejected by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes earlier on Thursday. In his ruling, Justice Moraes said the defence had not presented new facts that would alter his previous decision of 19 December 2025 to deny humanitarian house arrest.
The court order reiterated that Bolsonaro must have unfettered access to his medical team while in custody, with all necessary medications permitted. It also authorised the presence of a physiotherapist and allowed relatives to provide freshly prepared food.
Bolsonaro has been detained at the Federal Police building since November following his conviction and sentencing to 27 years and three months in connection with a plot described in court documents as an attempt to undermine Brazil’s democratic order. The case has remained a focal point of national debate and has generated significant political tension across the country.
Health officials who treated Bolsonaro said they would continue to monitor his condition while he remains under police supervision. The combination of surgical recovery and gastrointestinal issues means he will require follow-up care and access to prescribed medication during his detention.
The transfer back to the Federal Police facility followed the hospital’s internal procedures for secure patient discharge and coordination with law enforcement. Journalists and members of the public observed the convoy leaving the hospital; hospital officials declined to comment beyond confirming the discharge and transfer.
The case will proceed in the judicial system as Bolsonaro serves his sentence and as health authorities maintain oversight of his recovery. The court’s decision to deny temporary house arrest underscores the judiciary’s position that his medical needs can be met within custody under current conditions.
Reporting contributed by Lana Cristina of TV Brasil.
Key Takeaways:
- Former president Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from DF Star hospital after treatment and returned to Federal Police custody in Brasília.
- He underwent surgery for a bilateral inguinal hernia and later an endoscopy that showed oesophagitis and gastritis.
- The Supreme Court denied a defence request for humanitarian house arrest following his discharge.
- Medical access for Bolsonaro, including medications and a physiotherapist, remains authorised while in custody.
