Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) has rejected a request by former President Jair Bolsonaro’s defense team to install a smart TV in his detention quarters. The decision, delivered on February 15, 2025, underscores the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining strict security protocols for individuals in custody.
The request, initially filed on January 8, 2025, sought to provide Bolsonaro with a smart television that offered internet access. This move aimed to enhance his connection to external information and journalistic programming while serving his sentence.
However, Justice Moraes explicitly stated that existing legislation does not guarantee detainees the right to access internet-enabled devices. This stance highlights a broader institutional concern regarding potential security breaches.
Institutional Security Concerns Detailed
Devices with internet connectivity, according to Justice Moraes, pose a significant risk to institutional security. They create avenues for unauthorized communication with individuals outside the facility, enable access to restricted information, and could facilitate attempts to circumvent established control mechanisms. The court emphasized the necessity of preventing any opportunity for a detainee to engage in improper external contact or access unapproved content.
The justice reiterated that the former president already has access to a standard television set, providing conventional open channels, including news programs. This provision ensures he remains informed of current events without compromising the stringent security requirements of his detention.
Defense’s Rationale for Smart TV
Bolsonaro’s legal team argued that access to a smart TV would serve as a legitimate tool for the former president to maintain his connection with the social, political, and institutional realities of the country. They asserted that such an appliance was crucial for his access to communication, particularly journalistic and informative programming.
The lawyers specified in their petition that the smart TV would be supplied by Bolsonaro’s family and its primary purpose was not to access social media platforms. Instead, they claimed it would be utilized solely for following news channels and streaming platforms like YouTube, facilitating an updated understanding of national and international affairs.
Federal Prosecutor General’s Opposition
Prior to Moraes’s final ruling, on February 14, 2025, Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet had already voiced strong opposition to the defense’s request. He deemed the measure unreasonable, arguing that permanent internet access would render it impossible to enforce existing prohibitions. These prohibitions, imposed by the STF, specifically restrict Bolsonaro’s access to social media and unauthorized communication with third parties.
Gonet’s opinion underscored the difficulty in monitoring and controlling digital interactions if an internet-enabled device were permitted. The concern was rooted in the potential for unmanaged communication, which could undermine the judicial orders designed to prevent interference or external influence.
Transfer to Papudinha Special Cell
Justice Alexandre de Moraes also confirmed that former President Jair Bolsonaro was transferred to the Papudinha facility on February 15, 2025. Bolsonaro had been held at the Federal Police Superintendence in Brasília since November 22, 2024, following his preventive arrest for attempting to violate an electronic ankle monitor. This relocation aims to consolidate his detention under specific conditions.
The transfer follows a period where, despite being in privileged conditions, there was a perceived “systematic attempt” to delegitimize the enforcement of his sentence. This involved public criticisms from Bolsonaro’s family and allies, who allegedly disseminated false information about supposed degrading conditions within his previous cell, prompting the judicial review of his accommodations.
Conditions at the New Detention Area
The new area designated for the former president at Papudinha is extensive, measuring 64.83 square meters. This space is thoughtfully divided into a 54.76 square meter covered area and a 10.07 square meter outdoor section, offering a degree of comfort and privacy.
Inside, the environment is equipped with a functional kitchen, complete with appliances for food preparation and storage, including a refrigerator and ample cabinetry. The sleeping quarters feature a comfortable double bed, and the area includes a bathroom with a hot water shower, ensuring basic amenities.
The outdoor area provides a private space for sunbathing, with flexible timing for access, allowing Bolsonaro to manage his daily routine with greater autonomy. This arrangement contrasts with standard correctional facility conditions, emphasizing the special provisions made for his detention.
Enhanced Visitation Protocols
Visits for the former president will now benefit from expanded protocols at the Papudinha facility. These visits can take place in both the internal and external areas, which are furnished with chairs and a table to facilitate comfortable interactions. The new schedule offers increased flexibility, allowing for up to three different time slots on two designated days of the week.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, visitors can choose from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, or 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This schedule also permits simultaneous visits, providing more opportunities for family and approved individuals to see Bolsonaro. Previously, at the Federal Police Superintendence, visits were restricted to Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, demonstrating a notable improvement in access at the new facility.