SAO PAULO – Brazil’s Former President Jair Bolsonaro temporarily exited house arrest on Saturday for medical examinations in Brasilia, following a judge’s approval for him to spend six to eight hours in a hospital.

Physicians at DF Star hospital diagnosed Bolsonaro with fever, cough, ongoing gastroesophageal reflux, and hiccups. Evaluations showed remnants of two recent lung infections, persistent esophagitis, and gastritis. He was released later that day and will continue treatment with prescribed medications.

Bolsonaro has faced multiple hospitalizations since his stabbing at a campaign event prior to the 2018 presidential elections. His latest surgical procedure occurred in April due to a bowel obstruction.

He is currently on trial at the Supreme Court concerning his alleged attempt to retain power following his defeat in the 2022 elections to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A verdict from a five-justice panel on five charges against him is anticipated between September 2 and 12.

Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing.

The far-right former leader has been under house arrest since August 5. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the case, accused Bolsonaro of breaching precautionary measures by disseminating content via his three lawmaker sons.

Outside DF Star hospital on Saturday, a small assembly of fewer than 20 individuals claimed Bolsonaro is being politically persecuted. Some expressed gratitude towards U.S. President Donald Trump, who has denounced the proceedings as a “witch hunt” while attributing his decision to enact a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to Bolsonaro’s legal issues.

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Luís Rua contributed reporting in Brasilia.