Brazil’s Bolsonaro Adds Skin Cancer to Medical Woes

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, convicted last week for leading an attempted coup, has been diagnosed with skin cancer, his doctor confirmed on Wednesday.

The announcement came as the 70-year-old far-right leader was discharged from a hospital in Brasilia, where he had been rushed under prison guard on Tuesday after experiencing violent bouts of hiccups, vomiting, and low blood pressure.

Bolsonaro has faced multiple health complications in recent years, largely due to the 2018 stabbing during his presidential campaign, which required several operations.

The latest episode coincides with Bolsonaro’s recent conviction for plotting to overthrow leftist rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in the 2022 presidential election.

• Sentence: 27 years in prison
• Legal response: Bolsonaro’s lawyers have confirmed they will appeal the conviction

Meanwhile, Brazilian legislators are pushing to include Bolsonaro in an amnesty bill that could benefit participants in the uprising. However, the bill faces significant hurdles for legislative approval and may be subject to a presidential veto.

According to a statement by DF Star Hospital in Brasilia:

• Bolsonaro arrived at the hospital dehydrated, with an elevated heart rate and a drop in blood pressure
• Examinations revealed persistent anaemia and impaired kidney function

He was discharged after treatment improved his condition. Bolsonaro had previously reported multiple health issues during his trial and missed the verdict phase.

On Sunday, he visited the hospital for the removal of eight skin lesions, which were sent for biopsy.

Dr Claudio Birolini, Bolsonaro’s physician, stated:

“Two tested positive for a type of tumour called squamous cell carcinoma, which isn’t the most benign or the most aggressive. It’s intermediate, but still a form of skin cancer that can have serious consequences.”

The lesions were successfully removed, and no further treatment is currently required, Birolini added.

Bolsonaro, still popular among his supporters, has been under house arrest since August at his residence in Brasilia.

• If his appeal fails, he may request to serve his sentence at home due to health reasons.

Bolsonaro and seven co-accused were found guilty of plotting to prevent Lula from taking office. Allegedly, the plan included assassination of Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes, but it failed due to lack of support from senior military officials.

The former army captain, who served from 2019 to 2022, has repeatedly claimed he is the victim of political persecution.

The high-profile trial has strained relations between Brasilia and US President Donald Trump, a Bolsonaro ally. Trump criticised the judicial process as a “witch hunt”.

• Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on many Brazilian imports and sanctioned top Brazilian officials.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that further action could be taken to pressure Brazil over Bolsonaro’s conviction.

Summary Table: Bolsonaro’s Current Status

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