STORY: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro remains stable in the ICU despite worsening kidney function, according to a statement from the hospital where he is being treated for bilateral bacterial pneumonia on Saturday (March 14)

“He continues treatment with antibiotics and intravenous hydration, respiratory and motor physical therapy, as well as measures to prevent venous thrombosis,” the statement read, adding there is no timeline for discharge.

Bolsonaro, 70, was hospitalised on Friday (March 13) after an episode of bronchoaspiration that led to bronchopneumonia, a lung infection that spreads from the airways into the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties.

The former leader is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Supporters gathered outside the hospital in Brasilia said they were praying for Bolsonaro and called for his release from prison to recover.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: INTERNET (MARCH 14, 2026) (DF STAR – Access all)

1. STATEMENT FROM HOSPITAL

2. STATEMENT READING (Portuguese): “DF Star Hospital reports that former President Jair Messias Bolsonaro remains hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit, being treated for bilateral bacterial pneumonia resulting from an episode of bronchoaspiration (aspiration into the airways). He is clinically stable; however, he has shown worsening kidney function and an increase in inflammatory markers. He continues treatment with antibiotics and intravenous hydration, respiratory and motor physical therapy, as well as measures to prevent venous thrombosis. There is no forecast for discharge from the ICU at this time.”

BRASILIA, BRAZIL (MARCH 14, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

3. VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR VIEWS OF HOSPITAL

4. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) BOLSONARO SUPPORTER, ISAIAS SANDER, SAYING:

“I am in favour of justice and amnesty. He (Bolsonaro) is in jail, ill, and he now needs medical care. We’re praying and asking God he recovers from this.”

5. SUPPORTER OUTSIDE HOSPITAL

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) BOLSONARO SUPPORTER, ISAIAS SANDER, SAYING:

“Bolsonaro is ill because he’s in jail. He needs to come back home. This is why we’re demanding freedom for Bolsonaro and that he be cared for at home."

7. SUPPORTERS WAVING BRAZILIAN FLAG OUTSIDE HOSPITAL

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) BOLSONARO SUPPORTER, ALESSANDRA ARAUJO, SAYING:

"I think this is time for us to accompany him even more; when you're in a place like this, you see people who really need prayers and need you to be here."

9. SUPPORTERS SPEAKING OUTSIDE HOSPITAL

10. VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR VIEWS OF HOSPITAL