Former president Jair Bolsonaro completes six months in prison on Wednesday (4), as allies push for his transfer to house arrest based on medical reports and STF jurisprudence. The decision rests with Minister Alexandre de Moraes, amid political tensions and concerns over the 70-year-old convict's health. The campaign includes efforts by Michelle Bolsonaro and Tarcísio de Freitas, plus expectations for a medical report due this week.
Jair Bolsonaro (PL) completed six months in prison on February 4, 2026, after being sentenced by the STF to 27 years and 3 months in September 2025 for a coup attempt. Initially under house arrest ordered by Alexandre de Moraes on August 4, 2025, the former president lost the benefit after violating his electronic anklet with a soldering iron in November, following an appearance in a protest video. Transferred to the Federal Police Superintendency and then to the Military Police Battalion at Papudinha on January 15, 2026, Bolsonaro occupies a 64.83 m² cell, larger than the previous 12 m².
Allies emphasize his age of 70 and health issues, such as dizziness, persistent hiccups, and recent hernia and hiccup containment surgeries, to justify house arrest. A medical report, requested by Moraes and based on a January 20 evaluation, is due this week to assess if he can serve his sentence at home in a Brasília condominium. "A cada dia que o ex-presidente Bolsonaro continua naquela prisão de forma ilegal e desumana, ele se fortalece mais perante a opinião pública", said Chamber opposition leader Cabo Gilberto Silva (PL-PB) to Folha. Deputy Delegado Caveira (PL-PA) criticized: "Uma solução imediata eu não vejo, porque nós estamos vivendo na ditadura da toga, um complô muito grande".
The effort involves Michelle Bolsonaro and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), who sensitized STF ministers. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flávio (PL-RJ) as successor for the 2026 presidential elections, prioritizing the family clan to maintain political relevance. His routine at Papudinha includes walks, family visits, daily medical care, and physiotherapy, but no reading, which could reduce his sentence, per a PMDF report from January 15 to 27.
Senator Hamilton Mourão, in an interview, predicted delays in the STM trial, possibly until the second half of 2026 or 2027, with electoral impacts. Meanwhile, Senator Wellington Fagundes (PL-MT) requested a prison visit on February 1 to discuss his candidacy for Mato Grosso governor, seeking bolsonaro support.
