Lula Promises Veto on Legislation That Would Slash Bolsonaro’s Prison Sentence

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced his intention to veto controversial legislation that would significantly reduce the prison term of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The bill, which passed through congress late Wednesday, would cut Bolsonaro’s sentence for orchestrating an attempted coup following the 2022 elections. The former president currently faces more than 27 years behind bars for his role in trying to overturn the democratic process.
The legislation successfully navigated both chambers of the Brazilian congress, receiving approval from the lower house last week before passing the senate. Despite Lula’s firm stance against the bill, he acknowledged the political reality that conservative lawmakers could potentially override his veto. The current president, who was himself a target of an assassination plot connected to the coup attempt, emphasized his commitment to ensuring accountability for those who attacked Brazilian democracy.
Legal analysts suggest the bill could dramatically reduce Bolsonaro’s minimum time in a closed prison regime from six years to approximately two years. This reduction would be achieved through various sentence reduction mechanisms, including credits for good behavior and participation in educational programs such as reading books. The far-right former leader is currently detained in a specialized cell at federal police headquarters in the capital city of Brasília.
The Bolsonaro family has expressed cautious optimism about the legislation’s passage, though they acknowledge it falls short of their ultimate goal of complete amnesty. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son and potential presidential candidate for 2026, characterized the bill as a compromise, stating it represented what was achievable under current political circumstances. The legislation’s benefits extend beyond Bolsonaro himself, potentially reducing sentences for military officers and civilians involved in the coup attempt.
Public opinion appears to be at odds with congressional action, as recent polling indicates most Brazilians oppose reducing sentences for coup participants. Critics view the bill’s approval as a significant reversal of what many considered democratic progress in holding powerful figures accountable. The legislation particularly affects hundreds of individuals who participated in the violent storming of government buildings in Brasília in January 2023, raising concerns about the message being sent regarding accountability for attacks on democratic institutions.