Bolsonaro's Routine in Papudinha Prison: Daily Walks, Medical Care, and No Books Read, Report Reveals

Brazil - Ekhbary News Agency

Bolsonaro's Prison Life Unveiled: A Strict Routine, Political Visits, and Unread Books

A comprehensive report submitted to Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) by the Military Police of the Federal District has provided a rare glimpse into the daily life of former President Jair Bolsonaro during his detention at the 'Papudinha' facility. The meticulously documented routine, spanning from January 15 to January 27, reveals a structured existence marked by physical activity, constant medical oversight, limited personal visits, and, notably, a complete absence of reading materials, an activity that could potentially reduce his lengthy sentence.

The report, compiled from administrative and operational records by the Custody Unit and requested by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees Bolsonaro's penal execution, paints a detailed picture of the former leader's confinement. It highlights several key aspects: daily walks, regular medical consultations, visits from family members and legal counsel, and sporadic religious guidance. However, the most striking detail for many observers is the explicit mention that Bolsonaro has not read any books during the monitored period, a fact that carries significant implications given Brazilian legislation allows for sentence reduction through educational activities.

Bolsonaro's incarceration in Papudinha, a facility within the military police's command, began on January 15, following his transfer from the Federal Police Superintendency in Brasília. He occupies a spacious cell measuring 64.83 square meters, equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, bedroom, living room, and an external area, suggesting a level of comfort not typically associated with standard prison conditions. This arrangement has been a point of public discussion, contrasting with the general population's experience within the penal system.

During the twelve-day monitoring period, the former president engaged in over five hours of walking. The report specifies varied durations for these walks, ranging from a brisk nine minutes (from 10:45 AM to 10:54 AM) to a more extended one hour and fifteen minutes (from 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM), both recorded on January 17. These physical activities, alongside five physiotherapy sessions on January 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26, indicate a deliberate focus on maintaining his physical well-being. Furthermore, Bolsonaro received chaplaincy services twice, on January 20 and 27, provided by Pastor Thiago Manzoni, a district deputy from the Liberal Party (PL), underscoring the spiritual support available to him.

Medical assistance has been a constant feature of Bolsonaro's daily life in Papudinha. Professionals from the Federal District's Health Secretariat, alongside his private medical team, conduct daily assessments. The Military Police's report clarifies that these attendances are routine evaluations aimed at monitoring his general health, primarily involving the measurement of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation, along with a summary clinical evaluation and preventive care. This consistent medical attention reflects the high-profile nature of the detainee and the imperative to ensure his health stability.

In terms of visitors, the report notes that, aside from his legal team and medical personnel who enjoy unrestricted access, only former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro and his son, former councilman Carlos Bolsonaro, visited him during the specified timeframe. This limited circle of personal visitors highlights the controlled environment of his detention. However, a significant political visit occurred on January 29, just after the monitored period, when São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas met with Bolsonaro. This meeting is seen by political analysts as a strategic move to re-engage the family clan following the nomination of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) as the right-wing candidate for 2026, signaling ongoing political maneuvering despite Bolsonaro's incarceration.

The detail about Bolsonaro not reading books is particularly salient. Under Brazilian law, engaging in educational activities, including reading, can lead to the remission of a sentence. Bolsonaro faces a 27-year, three-month sentence, and his apparent disinterest in this avenue for reduction raises questions about his strategy or personal disposition during confinement. This aspect of the report provides a subtle yet significant insight into his current state and approach to his legal challenges.

The report also states that Bolsonaro underwent a Federal Police (PF) forensic examination on January 20. However, the crucial expert report, which will inform Minister Moraes' decision regarding the request for house arrest, has not yet been appended to the legal proceedings. The delay in this critical document leaves open the question of whether Bolsonaro will be granted a less restrictive form of detention, a decision eagerly awaited by his supporters and opponents alike.

The monitoring of Bolsonaro's routine and the subsequent report serve as a testament to the transparency and accountability mechanisms within Brazil's judicial system, particularly concerning high-profile detainees. The minutiae of his daily life, from his walks to his medical care and lack of reading, are now part of the public record, offering insights into the realities of his detention and the ongoing legal and political saga surrounding the former president. As the STF continues to deliberate on his future, this report provides essential factual groundwork for a decision that will undoubtedly have profound implications for Brazilian politics.

Ekhbary News Agency