Controversial legislation that would cut the prison time for coup attempt participants has cleared the Brazilian congress, prompting an immediate veto threat from President Lula. The bill specifically benefits former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose 27-year sentence for attempting to overturn the 2022 election could be dramatically reduced. The measure passed the senate late Wednesday after receiving lower house approval the previous week.
President Lula addressed the issue directly in comments to journalists, making clear his intention to reject the legislation when it reaches his desk. He emphasized that individuals who committed crimes against Brazilian democratic institutions must be held accountable through the justice system. The president’s personal connection to the case—he was allegedly targeted for assassination in the coup plot—adds emotional weight to his opposition.
The practical effects of this legislation are significant, with legal experts calculating that Bolsonaro’s minimum time in high-security detention could drop from six years to just over two years. This reduction relies on a legal mechanism that combines sentences for related offenses while applying only the punishment for the most serious crime. Standard sentence reduction programs for behavior and education would provide additional credits under this framework.
Bolsonaro’s current detention conditions include a specialized cell at federal police headquarters, where he is serving his sentence under enhanced security protocols. His legal team is pursuing authorization for medical treatment, specifically hernia surgery, which adds complexity to his incarceration situation. The family’s public response has balanced disappointment at not achieving complete amnesty with satisfaction at securing some sentence reduction.
The legislation’s scope encompasses not just Bolsonaro but also dozens of military officers and hundreds of civilians convicted in connection with the coup attempt and subsequent riots. This wide-ranging application has generated concern among advocates for democratic accountability, who view the original convictions as an important precedent. Public opinion polling reveals that the majority of Brazilians disagree with reducing sentences for those involved in attacking democratic institutions, suggesting potential political consequences for lawmakers who supported the measure.