Jair Bolsonaro Prison Injury: Brazil’s Supreme Court Denies Hospitalization Request

He once led the nation from a palace; now, he's struggling within the confines of a prison cell. Brazil's jailed former president, Jair Bolsonaro, reportedly fell and struck his head while sleeping, yet his plea for immediate hospital care was blocked by the country's top judiciary. According to AFP, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled on January 6, 2026, that the injury didn't warrant an emergency transfer.

Details of the Jair Bolsonaro Prison Injury 2026

The 70-year-old right-wing leader fell out of bed and hit a piece of furniture, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, shared on social media. While she insisted on urgent exams, the Federal Police's medical team evaluated him and found only minor injuries. They stated that any hospital referral is strictly contingent on Supreme Court authorization.

Justice de Moraes emphasized that while the legal team can request future exams, they must provide justification and schedule them in advance. This decision underscores the rigid judicial oversight Bolsonaro faces as he serves his 27-year sentence.

A Recurring Struggle with Health and Justice

Bolsonaro's health has been fragile since a 2018 assassination attempt where he was stabbed in the abdomen. Since then, he's undergone numerous surgeries. Most recently, on January 1, he was discharged after treatment for a hernia and persistent hiccups.

Currently held in Brasilia for plotting a coup after the 2022 elections, the former leader remains a deeply polarizing figure. His supporters view the denial of medical leave as political persecution, while his critics see it as the impartial application of the law to a high-profile prisoner.