Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Lula Vetoes Law Reducing Bolsonaro's Prison Sentence
President Lula vetoed a law that would have reduced the prison sentence of former President Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro was convicted of trying to overturn the 2022 election results and stop Lula from becoming president.
The law would have cut Bolsonaro's sentence from 27 years to just over 2 years.
Lula said the law was wrong because it would reward people who tried to break the law.
Bolsonaro's supporters say he is being treated unfairly.
The law was passed by Congress, but Lula can veto it.
Congress can then decide whether to keep or reject the veto.
Bolsonaro is currently in prison and is expected to serve at least 8 years.
President Lula vetoed a law that would have reduced Bolsonaro's prison sentence from 27 years to 2 years and 2 months.
Bolsonaro was convicted of coup plotting after the 2022 election.
The law was passed by Congress on the third anniversary of riots by Bolsonaro supporters in Brasilia.
Bolsonaro's allies argue he is a victim of political persecution.
Congress can override Lula's veto, but it is not clear if they will.
- Who
- President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and former President Jair Bolsonaro
- What
- Lula vetoed a law reducing Bolsonaro's prison sentence
- When
- January 2024 (exact date not specified)
- Where
- Brazil
- Why
- Lula believes the law undermines democracy and the rule of law
- President
- Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
- Former President
- Jair Bolsonaro
- Conviction
- Coup plotting
- Original Sentence
- 27 years
- Reduced Sentence
- 2 years 2 months
- Expected Minimum Served
- 8 years
- Riot Date
- January 8, 2023
- Riot Location
- Brasilia