Brazil’s senate advances bill that could reduce Bolsonaro’s prison sentence: Video

The legislation passed with 48 votes in favour, 25 against and one abstention, and would cut Bolsonaro’s sentence from 27 years to just over two years, despite opposition from the Supreme Court and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Supporters of the measure described it as a response to what they view as excessive or abusive sentencing related to the events of 8 January, when government buildings were attacked following Bolsonaro’s defeat in the 2022 election. Backers argued that reducing penalties would address serious injustices affecting individuals who, in their view, received disproportionate prison terms under an overly punitive judicial approach.

Some senators backing the bill also rejected the characterisation of the events as a coup attempt, instead portraying them as acts of disorder. They stressed that accountability should focus on individual responsibility, arguing that those who caused damage or invaded public buildings should be held to account without broad political generalisations.

Opponents warned that the legislation risks minimising the gravity of the attacks on democratic institutions. Critics in the Senate said that weakening sentences could undermine accountability and deterrence, cautioning that downplaying what occurred on 8 January may encourage similar challenges to Brazil’s constitutional order in the future.

The bill had already been approved by the lower house and now moves to President Lula, who has previously indicated that he intends to veto it. Bolsonaro began serving his sentence last month after being convicted of plotting a coup following his election defeat. Earlier drafts of the proposal included full amnesty, but lawmakers later excluded that option, opting instead for a substantial reduction in prison terms, a move that continues to draw domestic and international scrutiny.