Former Brazil President Bolsonaro had shoulder surgery, remains hospitalized

SAO PAULO - Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro successfully underwent right shoulder surgery on Friday, according to a note released by his medical team, which added that he remains hospitalized for pain management and clinical supervision.

The procedure aimed to address a chronic problem that had been causing persistent pain and limited his mobility.

Bolsonaro has been under humanitarian house arrest, under an initial 90-day regime authorized on medical grounds, while also dealing with other health issues.

He was convicted last year of plotting a coup after his narrow defeat by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election.

In allowing the surgery, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that only his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro would be permitted to accompany him at the hospital, with all other visits suspended, including those of lawyers and other family members, unless authorized by the court.

(Reporting by Luciana Magalhaes; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Franklin Paul and David Gregorio)

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 10:31 AM.