Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been discharged from hospital after recovering from emergency surgery to treat a brain haematoma. The 79-year-old leader spent six days in the Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo undergoing treatment, including a trepanation and middle meningeal artery embolisation.
In an emotional address to his medical team, Lula recalled feeling alarmed when he discovered the haematoma 52 days after a fall in October. He praised his first lady, Rosângela da Silva, for her support during his recovery. The president also spoke about his recent arrest warrant being issued against former defence minister Gen Walter Braga Netto, who was detained by federal police on Saturday.
Lula stressed the importance of preserving democracy and ensuring that those accused are given a chance to prove their innocence. However, he warned that if proven guilty, such individuals must face severe punishment. The president’s statement was seen as an attempt to address his critics and reassure the public about his commitment to democracy.
Despite being discharged from hospital, Lula will not immediately return to Brasília due to health concerns surrounding international travel. He will remain in São Paulo for at least a follow-up CT scan on Thursday before possibly flying back to the capital.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/15/brazil-president-lula-leaves-hospital-after-brain-surgery