Jailhouse Shock: Brazil's Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Confronts Life Behind Bars

He contested the law and the legal system won.

Two months subsequent to receiving a 27-year sentence for attempting to “destroy” Brazil’s democratic institutions, one-time leader Jair Bolsonaro finally appears jail-bound.

Imminent Jailing

The found-guilty coup-monger – who has been under home confinement in his mansion while a series of court processes and petitions play out – is broadly anticipated to be imprisoned in the next few days, amid increasing talk that he will be moved to a infamous maximum security penitentiary.

Historical Statements on Convicts

Over Bolsonaro’s long public life, the conservative ex- military man showed minimal mercy for the country's prison population.

“Why should we provide these scoundrels a good life?” he once mused. “They ought to simply be screwed, full-fucking-stop. That's my opinion.”

On another occasion, Bolsonaro proclaimed: “Unless you desire to finish in prison, all you have to do is not sexual assault, kidnap or rob.”

Jail Destination Speculation

Yet the idea of Bolsonaro himself ending up in the Papuda top-security prison in Brasília has shocked backers, four of whom this week inspected the complex in an seeming effort to dissuade the judiciary from banishing him there.

Senator Lucas, a lawmaker from Bolsonaro’s allied group who was one of the visitors, claimed he expected the elderly politician to be imprisoned in the coming fortnight and worried his assigned prison could be Papuda.

The senator argued Bolsonaro’s acute intestinal problems – the result of a near-fatal stabbing during the 2018 political campaign – signified it would be risky to keep the former president there. “His health is very grave. He won’t be able to cope if they move him to Papuda … It would be terrible,” said the senator, who also expressed concern about packed cells and the standard of prison meals.

When inspecting Papuda, Lucas recalled witnessing cells containing 40 detainees: “That’s practically one square meter per inmate.

“We spoke to the prisoners and they complain, of course, of the horrible cuisine,” remarked the senator.

Allies Voice Concerns

Lucas is not the sole person speaking out before the ex-leader's anticipated imprisonment.

Penning in a major publication, a different supporter, the ex- communications minister Fábio Wajngarten, lamented the “severe” end to Bolsonaro’s “flawless” public service and alleged Brazil was about to see “the largest wrong in its past”.

“It represents an unfairness that gnaws the hearts of countless Brazilian citizens,” he stated.

Varied General Reaction

That may be correct due to the considerable support Bolsonaro maintains on the Brazilian right. But his anticipated jailing has also warmed the feelings of many individuals who feel he should be imprisoned for conspiring to prevent his successor from becoming president – and also scheming to have him assassinated.

Congressman Otoni, a politician for the sitting administration's political party, stated: “Not a soul wishes Bolsonaro to be sent in a hole. Not a soul wants Bolsonaro to be placed in isolation. Not a soul wishes Bolsonaro to go hungry or for him to have to sleep on the floor. We wish him to obtain proper handling – but respectful treatment in prison. He must not carry on being his self-appointed guard for his lifetime.”

The congressman noted how Bolsonaro supporters, who have long celebrating the severe treatment of convicts, had unexpectedly realized to their privileges. “Just now has the far-right – which has consistently asserted that civil liberties should not be for offenders – chosen to inspect a penitentiary to learn what situations are really like,” he stated.

“Bolsonaro is a offender,” he affirmed, but that did not mean he earned “degrading, degrading handling”.

Possible Prison Facilities

In spite of speculation that Bolsonaro could be moved to Papuda, which currently contains about 14,000 prisoners, his expected assigned facility seems to be a close penitentiary for police officers and other “particular” detainees known as Papudinha (Little Papuda).

Its cells are considerably more comfortable than those in the larger jail, although nevertheless a far cry from the opulence Bolsonaro enjoyed while residing in the stunning official residence, about a short distance away.

According to reports, the cell Bolsonaro could likely inhabit in Papudinha has about 24 square meters – approximately the size of a couple of car spots – and contains a 12 sq metre restroom with a bathing area and a 130 square foot veranda. “Bolsonaro would be authorized to have a set and even a small fridge in his room as long as they were donated by his relatives,” information suggested.

Political Reactions

The lawmaker condemned the talked-about idea to send the one-time head of state to Papuda as “a type of revenge” on the part of the presiding magistrate who presided over Bolsonaro’s proceedings and will rule on his future in the {

Michael Hoffman
Michael Hoffman

A former professional bettor turned analyst, Mikael shares data-driven insights to help bettors maximize their returns.