Former Brazil president hospitalised with pneumonia while serving prison sentence
March 14, 2026: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to an intensive care unit in Brasília after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The 70-year-old leader, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence, is receiving treatment at DF Star Hospital. Doctors said his condition requires close monitoring because of his age and the seriousness of the infection, confirming that he is suffering from bronchopneumonia and is being treated with antibiotics and respiratory support.
Bolsonaro was transferred from prison after developing severe symptoms including chills, vomiting, high fever and low oxygen levels. His son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, said the former president was rushed for urgent medical care after his condition worsened. Hospital officials later confirmed the diagnosis and said doctors believe the infection may have been caused by aspiration.
The hospitalisation has renewed demands from Bolsonaro’s family and lawyers that he be allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest due to health concerns. However, Alexandre de Moraes has repeatedly rejected such requests, saying adequate medical treatment can be provided within the prison system. Bolsonaro, who has faced recurring health issues since being stabbed during the 2018 campaign, is currently jailed after being convicted of plotting to overturn Brazil’s democratic system following his defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election.