Prison Surprise: Brazil's FormerPresident Bolsonaro Faces Life Behind Bars

He fought the law and the law won.

Two months after receiving a quarter-century plus sentence for attempting to “destroy” Brazil’s democracy, one-time leader Jair Bolsonaro finally seems headed to prison.

Imminent Imprisonment

The convicted plotter – who has been subject to home confinement in his estate while a series of legal procedures and appeals play out – is largely predicted to be imprisoned in the next few days, amidst growing rumors that he will be transferred to a notorious high-security prison.

Past Statements on Convicts

Throughout Bolsonaro’s four-decade time in politics, the conservative former soldier showed minimal compassion for the country's jailed individuals.

“For what reason must we provide these dirtbags a good life?” he previously wondered. “They ought to simply be screwed, full-fucking-stop. That’s what I reckon.”

On another occasion, Bolsonaro proclaimed: “If you don’t want to finish in prison, the only thing required is to avoid sexual assault, kidnap or theft.”

Prison Facility Discussion

But the idea of Bolsonaro himself landing in the Papuda high-security prison in Brasília has appalled backers, several of whom this week visited the complex in an seeming effort to discourage the judiciary from sending him there.

Izalci Lucas, a politician from Bolsonaro’s allied group who was part of that quartet, said he anticipated the elderly politician to be imprisoned in the coming fortnight and feared his location could be Papuda.

The senator argued Bolsonaro’s severe gut problems – the consequence of a almost deadly assault during the last political campaign – meant it would be hazardous to keep the ex-leader there. “His condition is extremely serious. He cannot to manage if they take him to Papuda … It could be awful,” said the senator, who also expressed concern about cramped cells and the quality of inmate food.

While visiting Papuda, Lucas remembered seeing cells holding 40 detainees: “It's virtually one square meter per detainee.

“We conversed to the convicts and they complain, of course, of the terrible meals,” continued the senator.

Supporters React

Lucas is not the sole person speaking out prior to the ex-leader's predicted detention.

Writing in a major publication, one more backer, the former communications minister Fábio Wajngarten, lamented the “harsh” conclusion to Bolsonaro’s “spotless” time in office and alleged Brazil was about to see “the biggest wrong in its record”.

“This is an wrong that eats away the spirits of millions Brazilian citizens,” Wajngarten wrote.

Varied Public Opinion

This could be true considering the considerable backing Bolsonaro holds on the right-wing. But his predicted incarceration has also gladdened the feelings of millions other people who believe he should be imprisoned for plotting to stop his successor from taking power – and additionally plotting to have him killed.

Congressman Otoni, a representative for the incumbent leader's political party, commented: “No one wants Bolsonaro to be placed in a dungeon. No one wants Bolsonaro to be placed in segregation. Not a soul desires Bolsonaro not to be fed or for him to have to sleep on the floor. We wish him to receive respectful treatment – but respectful treatment behind bars. He can’t persist being his self-appointed guard for his lifetime.”

Otoni was struck by how Bolsonaro allies, who have spent years applauding the tough treatment of inmates, had suddenly realized to their rights. “Just now has the conservative fringe – which has repeatedly claimed that civil liberties were not for lawbreakers – chosen to inspect a prison to learn what circumstances are actually like,” he remarked.

“Bolsonaro is a criminal,” the congressman maintained, but that did not mean he earned “shameful, demeaning handling”.

Likely Jail Conditions

Despite speculation that Bolsonaro could be sent to Papuda, which presently contains about thousands of inmates, his probable assigned facility appears to be a close jail for law enforcement and other “particular” inmates referred to as Papudinha (Little Papuda).

The accommodations are much more adequate than those in the main prison, although nonetheless a world away from the comfort Bolsonaro experienced while residing in the spectacular official residence, about 20 kilometers away.

According to reports, the room Bolsonaro could likely reside in in Papudinha measures about 260 square feet – roughly the area of two parking spaces – and includes a 130 square foot bathroom with a shower and a 12 square meter balcony. “Bolsonaro would be allowed to have a set and additionally a small fridge in his cell as long as they were supplied by his loved ones,” information stated.

Ideological Reactions

Senator Lucas condemned the talked-about proposal to send the one-time head of state to Papuda as “a form of retaliation” on the part of the supreme court judge who led Bolsonaro’s proceedings and will determine his fate in the {

Emily Brewer
Emily Brewer

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in slot machine analysis and gaming optimization.