São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas Seeks Permission to Visit Former President Bolsonaro in Papudinha

The defense team of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has formally requested authorization from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to allow São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas to visit Bolsonaro while he remains imprisoned at Papudinha in Brasília. This request was submitted on January 19, 2026, and is under the jurisdiction of Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro was transferred to Papudinha on January 15 following a ruling by Moraes amid his detention on charges related to an attempted coup.

If approved, this would be the first meeting between Tarcísio and Bolsonaro since the latter issued a letter publicly endorsing his son, Flávio Bolsonaro, as the presidential candidate for the Liberal Party (PL). Flávio’s candidacy was announced earlier, with Bolsonaro's backing playing a key role. Tarcísio, who had been speculated as a potential presidential candidate himself, has since reaffirmed his support for Flávio's campaign.

During a political event in Suzano on January 15, Tarcísio stated, "The right will be united around one name. And my name is Flávio," underscoring his commitment to uniting right-wing forces behind Flávio Bolsonaro.

This political alignment highlights ongoing maneuvering within the right-wing camp in Brazil, as Bolsonaro’s imprisonment has not quelled efforts by his allies to maintain his political influence. The authorization for Tarcísio’s visit could signal a crucial step in consolidating support for Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential bid.

Currently detained under stringent conditions, Bolsonaro’s continued incarceration confines the extent to which he can directly engage with supporters and allies, making such visitation requests politically significant. The STF’s decision on this matter will be closely watched, given its implications for internal party dynamics and the broader political landscape in Brazil.