Jair Bolsonaro cumpre pena de 27 anos e 3 meses de prisão em regime fechado na Papudinha, em Brasília (Foto: Ton Molina, STF)
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes denied a request for house arrest Monday, March 2, 2026, for former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year, 3-month prison sentence. The case underscores the ongoing legal battles facing the former leader.
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Moraes determined that Bolsonaro did not meet the criteria established by the court for such a request, according to the decision.
“the exceptional requirements for granting house arrest due to humanitarian reasons are not present, given the repeated non-compliance with precautionary measures throughout the criminal proceedings,” Moraes wrote.
Justice Cites Federal Police Report
The defense had filed the request on February 11, 2026, arguing that Bolsonaro has a complex medical condition with multiple comorbidities and requesting a conversion of his sentence to house arrest for humanitarian reasons. Moraes cited the findings of a federal police medical evaluation, which indicated Bolsonaro is fit to remain incarcerated at the Papudinha prison.
“Contrary to what the defense alleges, the conditions and specific adaptations of the prison unit fully meet the needs of the convicted individual, with the possibility and effective provision of continuous medical services, including multiple daily appointments, physical therapy sessions, religious assistance, and ensuring the defendant receives numerous visits from family, friends, and political allies, fully guaranteeing the principle of human dignity,” the justice stated.
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Moraes Cites Visiting Schedule
In his decision, Moraes highlighted Bolsonaro’s active visiting schedule, including visits from politicians, as evidence of his good health.
“From the record of visits provided by the custodial institution, we can see that the inmate has received a large number of visits from federal deputies, senators, governors, and other public figures, demonstrating intense political activity, which corroborates the medical reports regarding his good physical and mental health,” the decision reads.
Ankle Monitor Violation
Another factor considered in the decision was Bolsonaro’s attempt to violate the terms of his electronic ankle monitor before the criminal proceedings were finalized.
“The deliberate and ostentatious attempt to flee with the destruction of the electronic monitoring device is another impediment to the cessation of imprisonment in a correctional facility and the granting of house arrest, in accordance with established jurisprudence,” Moraes wrote.
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