Supreme Court Demands Medical Proof for Augusto Heleno's Alzheimer's Amid House Arrest Request
The Supreme Federal Court has demanded medical evidence from Augusto Heleno's defense to verify his Alzheimer's diagnosis as they consider his request for house arrest following a 21-year sentence for coup-related crimes.
- • Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered medical documentation on Heleno's Alzheimer's diagnosis within five days.
- • Heleno was sentenced to 21 years for involvement in an attempted coup linked to the 2022 election aftermath.
- • Defense claims Heleno has exhibited psychiatric and cognitive symptoms since 2018, which were not presented during trial.
- • Prosecutor General supports house arrest due to Heleno's age and health, but STF will make the final decision.
Key details
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered retired General and former minister Augusto Heleno's defense to provide detailed medical documentation verifying his Alzheimer's diagnosis and health history within five days. Heleno, 78, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted coup following the 2022 election loss of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Since his arrest, Heleno has reported experiencing significant memory loss and psychiatric symptoms dating back to 2018. However, these health conditions were not disclosed during his trial. Moraes specifically requested the initial examination identifying Alzheimer's symptoms, neuropsychological evaluations, medical reports, and records of consultations since 2018. The Prosecutor General supports Heleno's defense request for house arrest based on his age and medical condition, but the final decision rests with the STF. Heleno remains in a special holding cell in Brasília while the court reviews the evidence. His case is part of a broader ruling from September convicting Heleno, Bolsonaro, and others of crimes related to an armed criminal organization aimed at violently abolishing Brazil's democratic order and attempting to obstruct the presidential transition in 2023.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.