Controversial legislation that would reduce prison sentences for coup attempt participants has cleared the Brazilian legislature, setting up a confrontation with President Lula da Silva. The bill would provide significant relief to former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose 27-year sentence could be substantially shortened. Congressional approval came despite public opinion polls showing majority opposition.
President Lula has made his position clear, stating he will veto the legislation while acknowledging that congress has the power to override his decision. He framed the issue in terms of democratic accountability, arguing that crimes against democratic institutions demand appropriate punishment. The president’s personal connection to the case adds weight to his stance.
The practical impact of the legislation would be substantial, with legal analysts estimating that Bolsonaro’s required time in maximum-security detention could decrease from six years to approximately 25 months. This calculation incorporates a mechanism that combines sentences for related crimes while counting only the most severe offense. Standard programs for earning sentence reductions would remain available.
The former president currently resides in a special cell at federal police headquarters, where security protocols accommodate his high-profile status. His legal representatives are working to secure authorization for medical treatment, specifically surgery to address a hernia condition. The family’s public response has characterized the legislation as an acceptable compromise.
The legislation’s reach extends to military officers convicted of participating in the coup attempt and hundreds of civilians who engaged in violent actions. This wide-ranging application has troubled those who viewed the original convictions as crucial for establishing accountability norms. Public opinion research shows that most Brazilians oppose these sentence reductions, indicating potential political risks for legislators who supported the measure.