Jailhouse Surprise: The Ex-President Bolsonaro Confronts Life Behind Bars

He fought the legal system and the law won.

Two months following getting a quarter-century plus sentence for attempting to “destroy” the nation's democratic institutions, former president Jair Bolsonaro finally seems jail-bound.

Imminent Jailing

The convicted instigator – who has been subject to residential detention in his residence while a number of court processes and appeals proceed – is broadly anticipated to be jailed in the next few days, amid mounting talk that he will be transferred to a well-known top-security prison.

Past Statements on Convicts

During Bolsonaro’s 40-year time in politics, the far-right former soldier displayed little compassion for Brazil’s jailed individuals.

“For what reason must we provide these scoundrels a good life?” he previously wondered. “They should just get screwed, period. That's my view.”

At another time, Bolsonaro proclaimed: “If you don’t want to end up behind bars, all you have to do is not sexual assault, kidnap or theft.”

Jail Location Discussion

Yet the idea of Bolsonaro himself ending up in the Papuda high-security prison in Brasília has shocked supporters, four of whom this week visited the complex in an obvious attempt to discourage the supreme court from transferring him there.

Izalci Lucas, a lawmaker from Bolsonaro’s political party who was one of the visitors, claimed he predicted the 70-year-old figure to be imprisoned in the following week and a half and worried his destination could be Papuda.

He asserted Bolsonaro’s severe intestinal issues – the outcome of a almost deadly assault during the last election race – signified it would be dangerous to keep the ex-leader there. “His condition is extremely serious. He will not be able to cope if they take him to Papuda … It could be awful,” he added, who also voiced anxiety about packed cells and the standard of inmate food.

While visiting Papuda, Lucas noted seeing cells accommodating four dozen prisoners: “It's virtually one square meter per detainee.

“We conversed to the inmates and they grumble, naturally, of the terrible meals,” added the senator.

Backers Speak Out

He is not the sole person voicing opinions before the one-time head of state's expected detention.

Writing in a prominent newspaper, another ally, the ex- communications minister Fábio Wajngarten, lamented the “severe” finale to Bolsonaro’s “impeccable” political career and claimed Brazil was about to witness “the greatest political injustice in its record”.

“It is an wrong that erodes the hearts of millions Brazilian citizens,” the former minister said.

Varied Popular Reaction

That may be true considering the significant following Bolsonaro maintains on the conservative side. Yet his predicted incarceration has also warmed the spirits of millions other people who feel he ought to be imprisoned for plotting to prevent the incoming president from taking power – and also conspiring to have him assassinated.

The lawmaker, a congressman for the current administration's Workers’ party, stated: “No one desires Bolsonaro to be put in a dungeon. Not a soul desires Bolsonaro to be sent in segregation. Nobody wishes Bolsonaro to lack food or for him to have to sleep on the floor. We desire him to obtain dignified care – but respectful care in prison. He must not persist being his own prison warden for his entire life.”

The congressman noted how Bolsonaro backers, who have for a long time celebrating the harsh handling of prisoners, had suddenly become aware to their privileges. “Just now has the extreme right – which has repeatedly asserted that human rights are not for offenders – opted to inspect a jail to learn what conditions are truly like,” he said.

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

Possible Prison Conditions

Despite rumors that Bolsonaro could be transferred to Papuda, which currently contains about 14,000 detainees, his probable destination looks to be a nearby prison for police officers and other “unique” prisoners called Papudinha (Minor Papuda).

Its cells are much more comfortable than those in the larger jail, although nevertheless a world away from the luxury Bolsonaro had while living in the spectacular leader's home, approximately 20 kilometers away.

Based on sources, the cell Bolsonaro could likely reside in in Papudinha is about 260 square feet – about the area of a couple of car spots – and contains a 12 square meter restroom with a water facility and a 12 sq metre terrace. “He could be permitted to have a television and also a small fridge in his quarters as long as they were supplied by his family,” information stated.

Political Responses

Senator Lucas denounced the speculated plan to send the former leader to Papuda as “a type of payback” on the part of the judicial authority who led Bolsonaro’s legal case and will determine his fate in the {

Theresa White
Theresa White

A dedicated film critic with over a decade of experience, specializing in indie cinema and blockbuster analysis.