Brazil's Supreme Court extends humanitarian house arrest for former President Jair Bolsonaro

On 3 July 2026 Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro will remain under humanitarian house arrest. The decision responded to a request from Bolsonaro's defence, citing ongoing health concerns after a recent bout of broncopneumonia and other comorbidities. Moraes noted clinical improvement but affirmed that continued confinement at home is "reasonable, appropriate and proportionate."

The ruling keeps in place the existing safeguards: an electronic ankle monitor, a ban on personal phones and social‑media use, and restricted visits limited to authorised family members, health professionals and staff. Bolsonaro must also surrender all firearms registered in his name within 48 hours, following a recent seizure of a weapon from his security detail during a police checkpoint. The prosecutor‑general’s opinion supported maintaining the house arrest despite the weapons incident. Bolsonaro has been serving a 27‑year sentence for an attempted coup since November 2025, and the humanitarian measure was first granted on 27 March 2026 after his hospitalisation.