On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, former President Jair Bolsonaro was served a summons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital DF Star in Brasília regarding the criminal proceedings against him in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) concerning a coup plot aimed at preventing Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. The summons marked a significant moment in Bolsonaro's ongoing legal troubles, as he faces serious charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
The notification process began on April 11, 2025, when Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered that all defendants in nucleus 1, who had become defendants following the First Panel of the Court's acceptance of a complaint from the Attorney General's Office (PGR), be formally notified. However, Bolsonaro's notification was delayed due to his health complications. He fell ill on April 12 and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.
Despite being hospitalized, Bolsonaro managed to hold a live broadcast from his hospital bed on April 22, 2025, where he engaged with supporters and family members. This unexpected appearance prompted the STF to expedite the notification process, leading a court officer to visit him in the ICU on April 23. According to reports, the officer arrived at the hospital around 10:30 AM, and Bolsonaro confirmed he received the summons at 12:47 PM.
In a video shared by Bolsonaro, he expressed his frustration at receiving the summons while hospitalized, questioning the appropriateness of the court officer’s presence in the ICU. "You are aware that you are in an ICU room, right?" he asked, to which the officer responded that she was executing a court order. Bolsonaro later criticized Minister Moraes, suggesting that the minister had personal issues against him and inviting him for a public debate.
The charges against Bolsonaro and his co-defendants include armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the Democratic State of Law, coup d'état, damage qualified by violence and serious threat, and deterioration of listed heritage. If convicted, the total penalties could exceed 30 years in prison.
Bolsonaro's legal troubles have been mounting since the STF's decision to indict him and seven of his allies for their alleged roles in the coup plot. This decision was reached unanimously by the ministers of the First Panel on March 26, 2025, marking a critical juncture in the legal proceedings. The group, referred to as the "crucial nucleus" of the coup attempt, now faces a formal criminal action in the Supreme Court.
During the live broadcast prior to his notification, Bolsonaro promoted a helmet he claimed to use, showcasing a blend of his political and personal branding efforts even while in recovery. The broadcast featured interactions with his sons, Flávio, Carlos, and Eduardo Bolsonaro, with Flávio even urging viewers to pray for his father's recovery.
Following the notification, Bolsonaro has five days to present his defense, during which he can specify evidence and list potential witnesses. The STF has emphasized the importance of this timeline, stating that all defendants were to be notified between April 11 and April 15, 2025, but Bolsonaro's hospitalization necessitated a delay.
In a statement, the STF clarified that the live broadcast demonstrated Bolsonaro's capacity to receive the court officer, hence the decision to proceed with the notification. The court indicated that all other defendants in the case had already been properly notified, allowing the legal process to move forward.
Amid these developments, Bolsonaro has reiterated his intention to run in the 2026 presidential elections, despite being declared ineligible until 2030 due to a ruling from the Electoral Court. His ongoing legal battles could complicate these aspirations further, especially if he faces a conviction in the coup case.
As the situation unfolds, Bolsonaro's supporters remain vocal, expressing their discontent with the judicial proceedings against him. The former president's political future hangs in the balance as he navigates this complex legal landscape while still recovering from significant health challenges.
The STF's actions reflect the ongoing tensions within Brazilian politics, where the remnants of Bolsonaro's administration continue to face scrutiny and legal repercussions. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Brazil, as it highlights the ongoing struggle between the judiciary and political figures accused of undermining democratic institutions.
As the clock ticks on his five-day deadline, all eyes will be on Bolsonaro and his legal team as they prepare their defense against what many see as a pivotal moment in Brazilian history.
