Jailhouse Shock: Brazil's Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Faces Time Behind Bars

He fought the legal system and justice won.

Sixty days following being handed a 27-year sentence for attempting to “annihilate” the nation's democratic institutions, one-time leader Jair Bolsonaro finally appears jail-bound.

Imminent Incarceration

The found-guilty plotter – who's been under home confinement in his mansion while a series of judicial steps and appeals proceed – is broadly anticipated to be incarcerated in the coming days, amid growing talk that he will be sent to a well-known high-security penitentiary.

Historical Remarks on Convicts

During Bolsonaro’s long time in politics, the far-right former military man displayed little compassion for Brazil’s jailed individuals.

“For what reason must we give these scoundrels a easy time?” he once pondered. “They ought to simply be screwed, end of story. That's my view.”

In another instance, Bolsonaro declared: “Should you not wish to finish there, the only thing required is to avoid sexual assault, kidnap or theft.”

Jail Destination Debate

However the prospect of Bolsonaro himself winding up in the Papuda top-security prison in Brasília has shocked supporters, several of whom this week toured the complex in an obvious attempt to prevent the supreme court from sending him there.

Senator Lucas, a senator from Bolsonaro’s political party who was among that group, claimed he predicted the 70-year-old leader to be jailed in the following week and a half and was concerned his assigned prison could be Papuda.

He asserted Bolsonaro’s acute gut ailments – the consequence of a almost deadly knife attack during the last political campaign – signified it would be dangerous to keep the ex-leader there. “His condition is highly critical. He won’t be able to handle it if they move him to Papuda … It would be terrible,” he commented, who also worried about packed cells and the quality of inmate food.

While visiting Papuda, Lucas recalled observing cells containing forty prisoners: “That is virtually one square meter per detainee.

“We spoke to the convicts and they grumble, of course, of the terrible food,” continued the senator.

Backers Speak Out

He is not the only voice voicing opinions prior to the one-time head of state's expected incarceration.

Penning in a major publication, one more backer, the former government official Fábio Wajngarten, deplored the “severe” conclusion to Bolsonaro’s “impeccable” time in office and alleged Brazil was about to witness “the greatest unfairness in its past”.

“It is an unfairness that erodes the spirits of countless Brazilian citizens,” the former minister said.

Divided Popular Reaction

That may be true due to the substantial following Bolsonaro holds on the right-wing. But his expected incarceration has also warmed the feelings of numerous others who think he should be incarcerated for plotting to block the incoming president from assuming office – and even conspiring to have him killed.

The lawmaker, a politician for the incumbent leader's political party, stated: “Not a soul wishes Bolsonaro to be put in a hole. Not a soul desires Bolsonaro to be put in solitary confinement. Nobody wants Bolsonaro to go hungry or for him to have to rest on hard ground. We desire him to obtain dignified care – but dignified treatment behind bars. He must not continue being his own prison warden for his lifetime.”

He observed how Bolsonaro supporters, who have long praising the tough treatment of convicts, had unexpectedly realized to their privileges. “Just now has the extreme right – which has consistently claimed that civil liberties are not for offenders – decided to tour a jail to find out what situations are truly like,” he remarked.

“Bolsonaro is a lawbreaker,” the congressman maintained, but that did not mean he merited “humiliating, degrading conduct”.

Possible Prison Environment

In spite of rumors that Bolsonaro could be moved to Papuda, which presently contains about fourteen thousand inmates, his more likely destination looks to be a nearby prison for law enforcement and other “special” detainees called Papudinha (Little Papuda).

Its cells are much more adequate than those in the larger jail, although nevertheless a far cry from the luxury Bolsonaro had while living in the spectacular presidential palace, around a short distance away.

Based on sources, the room Bolsonaro could likely reside in in Papudinha has about 24 sq metres – approximately the dimensions of a couple of car spots – and includes a 12 square meter WC with a bathing area and a 130 square foot balcony. “The ex-president might be permitted to have a set and additionally a cooler in his cell as long as they were provided by his loved ones,” information suggested.

Political Responses

He criticized the talked-about plan to send the one-time head of state to Papuda as “a type of payback” on the part of the supreme court judge who led Bolsonaro’s legal case and will determine his future in the {

Jade Anderson
Jade Anderson

Lena is a dedicated gaming journalist with a passion for exploring indie games and industry trends.