Bolsonaro Transferred to Larger Facility in Brasilia
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has ordered the relocation of former President Jair Bolsonaro from the Federal Police detention center in Brasilia to the Papuda Penitentiary Complex, a move designed to offer better conditions for serving his sentence. The decision came from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and was carried out on January 15, 2026.
Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in planning a failed coup attempt after the 2022 election, had been held in a much smaller cell at the Federal Police headquarters. The new assignment places him in a larger unit within the Papuda complex, where politicians and high-profile inmates are typically confined.
“Improved Conditions” Cited by Supreme Court Justice
Justice Moraes ruled that the transfer would provide Bolsonaro with expanded access to medical support, weekly family visits, physical exercise opportunities, and other facilities that were not as readily available in his former quarters. The complex also ensures 24-hour medical care provided by registered doctors and allows immediate hospital transfer in case of emergencies.
The designated cell in the Papuda facility features a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, laundry space and an outdoor area — significantly larger than his previous cell — and it aligns with requests made by his legal team regarding space and amenities.
Family and Legal Team Reactions
Bolsonaro’s family and supporters have publicly criticised his detention conditions, pushing for alternatives such as house arrest on health grounds. However, Justice Moraes dismissed claims of mistreatment, affirming that the move to Papuda meets legal standards and maintains respect for human dignity.
Background: Conviction and Current Sentence
The transfer comes after Bolsonaro’s conviction for orchestrating efforts to overturn Brazil’s democratic transition after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 2022 victory. Bolsonaro and several allies were found guilty of plotting actions that included attempts to disrupt Brazil’s constitutional order — charges he has consistently denied.
