Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Brazil Congress Reduces Bolsonaro's Jail Term
Brazil's Congress has passed a bill to reduce the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to stop the current president, Lula, from taking office after losing the 2022 election.
The new bill could reduce his sentence to over 2 years.
The bill was passed quickly by both the lower chamber and the Senate, despite protests across Brazil.
President Lula plans to veto the bill, but Congress can override his veto.
Bolsonaro's supporters see this as a way to help him, while others see it as unfair and a threat to democracy.
Brazil's Congress passed a bill to reduce Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence to over 2 years.
The bill was passed by both the lower chamber and the Senate, despite protests across Brazil.
President Lula plans to veto the bill, but Congress can override his veto.
Bolsonaro was convicted of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.
The bill is specifically aimed at benefiting those convicted as part of the coup plot and Bolsonaro supporters involved in the 2023 riots.
- Who
- Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil
- What
- Brazil's Congress passed a bill to reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence to over 2 years
- When
- The bill was passed on Wednesday, with Bolsonaro beginning his sentence in November
- Where
- Brazil
- Why
- The bill changes how sentences are calculated for certain crimes, specifically benefiting those convicted as part of the coup plot and Bolsonaro supporters involved in the 2023 riots
- Person Involved
- Jair Bolsonaro
- Current Sentence
- 27 years
- Reduced Sentence
- Over 2 years
- Bill Passed By
- Brazil's Senate and Lower Chamber
- President's Stance
- Lula plans to veto the bill
- Conviction Reason
- Plotting a coup after 2022 election loss
- Protester's Demand
- No amnesty for Bolsonaro
- Senate Vote Count
- 48-25
