Key Points

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for skin cancer. He continues to face significant legal challenges, including a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup in 2022. The ex-president was also recently ordered to pay damages for racist comments made during his presidency. Despite these setbacks, Bolsonaro remains a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, with ongoing legal battles and potential appeals.

Key Points: Bolsonaro Discharged After Cancer Treatment Amid Legal Battles

  • Bolsonaro treated for two squamous cell carcinoma skin lesions
  • Sentenced to 27 years for 2022 coup attempt
  • Ordered to pay 1 million reais for racist remarks
  • Currently under house arrest following legal restrictions
2 min read

Brazil's ex-Prez Bolsonaro discharged from hospital after skin cancer treatment

Ex-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro released from hospital after skin cancer treatment, facing multiple legal challenges and house arrest

"His remarks were offensive and discriminatory toward the black population - Judge Rogerio Fraveto"

Brasilia, Sep 18

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged from the hospital after being diagnosed with skin cancer and receiving treatment, said the hospital where he was treated in the capital, Brasilia.

Bolsonaro's symptoms have improved after intravenous infusion treatment, but he still needs clinical follow-up and regular review, according to the DF Star Hospital on Wednesday (local time).

The hospital conducted a pathological examination on the skin lesions removed from him. The medical report showed that two of the eight skin lesions correspond to "squamous cell carcinoma in situ."

He returned to his residence around noon and continued his house arrest.

The former president was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday due to vomiting, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure, reports Xinhua news agency.

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on September 11 sentenced the ex-president to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup in 2022.

On August 4, the court ruled that Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest for non-compliance with previous legal restrictions tied to an investigation for his alleged involvement in the coup plot.

Earlier on September 16, Bolsonaro was ordered to pay 1 million reais (about 188,000 US dollars) in damages for racist remarks he made while in office and issue a public apology.

The Federal Regional Court in the southern city of Porto Alegre made the ruling after Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Thursday sentenced the ex-president to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup in 2022.

The latest ruling held Bolsonaro accountable for comments he made about the curly hair of a young man of African descent during a broadcast in 2021, which caused collective moral damage by eroding the values of society as a whole.

In that broadcast, Bolsonaro compared a supporter's afro hairstyle to a "cockroach breeding ground" and insinuated that he had lice.

The judges in the case agreed that his remarks were racist and rejected the defence's argument that it was just a "joke."

Saying the remarks had "offensive and discriminatory content toward the black population in general" and were "discrimination disguised as a joke," Judge Rogerio Fraveto argued that they go beyond freedom of expression and contribute to perpetuating the idea of "white supremacy."

The ruling may be appealed at a higher court.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This shows that no one is above the law, not even former presidents. The 27-year sentence for coup attempt and compensation for racist remarks sends a strong message about accountability. Hope other countries learn from this!
A
Aman W
Comparing someone's hair to a "cockroach breeding ground" is absolutely disgusting. As someone who faced discrimination for my curly hair in school, I know how hurtful such comments can be. Good that he's being held accountable.
S
Sarah B
Health issues aside, it's concerning how many world leaders are facing legal troubles these days. Democracy is being tested everywhere. Hope Brazil emerges stronger from this.
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Vikram M
The medical part is sad, but the legal proceedings show that justice eventually catches up. In India too, we need stronger systems to hold leaders accountable for their actions and words.
N
Nisha Z
House arrest with medical care? Many ordinary citizens don't get such privileges when they're sick in prison. Justice system should be equal for all, not just former leaders.

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