Jailhouse Shock: The Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Faces Time Behind Bars

He contested justice and the legal system triumphed.

Two months after receiving a twenty-seven-year sentence for trying to “destroy” Brazil’s democratic institutions, former president Jair Bolsonaro at last appears jail-bound.

Imminent Incarceration

The found-guilty coup-monger – who had been under residential detention in his residence while a series of judicial steps and petitions unfold – is widely expected to be imprisoned in the coming days, during increasing speculation that he will be sent to a infamous maximum security prison.

Historical Comments on Inmates

Over Bolsonaro’s long public life, the conservative ex- paratrooper showed scant mercy for Brazil’s prison population.

“Why should we offer these lowlifes a good life?” he previously wondered. “They should just get screwed, full-fucking-stop. That’s what I reckon.”

At another time, Bolsonaro proclaimed: “If you don’t want to finish there, all you have to do is to avoid sexual assault, kidnap or rob.”

Prison Facility Speculation

But the idea of Bolsonaro himself winding up in the Papuda maximum security prison in Brasília has appalled backers, several of whom this week visited the complex in an seeming bid to prevent the high court from sending him there.

Senator Lucas, a politician from Bolsonaro’s Liberal party who was part of that quartet, stated he anticipated the septuagenarian leader to be jailed in the following week and a half and worried his destination could be Papuda.

Lucas claimed Bolsonaro’s acute gut ailments – the consequence of a life-threatening stabbing during the last presidential campaign – meant it would be risky to keep the ex-leader there. “His health is extremely serious. He won’t be able to cope if they take him to Papuda … It could be awful,” said the senator, who also voiced anxiety about overcrowded cells and the condition of inmate food.

During his tour Papuda, Lucas remembered witnessing cells containing forty inmates: “It's practically one square meter per prisoner.

“We conversed to the convicts and they protest, naturally, of the awful food,” remarked the senator.

Supporters Voice Concerns

The senator isn't the only voice expressing views before the ex-leader's predicted imprisonment.

Authoring in a leading newspaper, another ally, the ex- communications minister Fábio Wajngarten, bemoaned the “severe” end to Bolsonaro’s “flawless” public service and claimed Brazil was about to witness “the greatest wrong in its record”.

“It represents an wrong that erodes the hearts of many of Brazilians,” he stated.

Mixed General Response

That may be correct considering the substantial support Bolsonaro maintains on the Brazilian right. However his anticipated imprisonment has also pleased the feelings of numerous individuals who believe he should be jailed for planning to block the elected leader from assuming office – and even plotting to have him killed.

Reimont Otoni, a politician for the current administration's Workers’ party, commented: “Nobody wishes Bolsonaro to be sent in a dungeon. Not a soul wants Bolsonaro to be placed in isolation. Nobody wishes Bolsonaro to go hungry or for him to have to lie on concrete. We wish him to receive proper handling – but proper care while incarcerated. He can’t continue being his self-appointed guard for his lifetime.”

He observed how Bolsonaro allies, who have long applauding the tough conditions of prisoners, had suddenly realized to their privileges. “Recently has the extreme right – which has always claimed that human rights should not be for offenders – opted to visit a prison to find out what situations are truly like,” he remarked.

“Bolsonaro is a offender,” he affirmed, but that did not mean he earned “humiliating, demeaning conduct”.

Likely Incarceration Conditions

Despite rumors that Bolsonaro could be moved to Papuda, which currently houses about 14,000 prisoners, his expected destination looks to be a close jail for officers and other “special” inmates referred to as Papudinha (Minor Papuda).

Its cells are far more adequate than those in the primary facility, although nonetheless a far cry from the luxury Bolsonaro experienced while occupying the stunning official residence, around 12 miles away.

According to sources, the accommodation Bolsonaro could likely reside in in Papudinha has about 24 square meters – about the dimensions of vehicle spaces – and features a 12 square meter restroom with a shower and a 130 square foot veranda. “The ex-president might be permitted to have a TV and even a cooler in his room as long as they were provided by his family,” sources suggested.

Political Reactions

The lawmaker denounced the speculated idea to send the ex-president to Papuda as “a form of retaliation” on the part of the supreme court judge who oversaw Bolsonaro’s legal case and will determine his future in the {

Elizabeth Mcbride
Elizabeth Mcbride

A passionate travel writer and cultural enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.