Legislation that would significantly reduce prison time for participants in Brazil’s 2022 coup attempt has passed congress but faces certain veto from President Lula da Silva. The bill’s most prominent beneficiary would be Jair Bolsonaro, the former president serving a 27-year sentence for masterminding the attempt to overturn democratic election results. Congressional passage came despite public opinion polls showing majority opposition to reducing these sentences.
Lula spoke directly about his intentions when questioned by journalists, stating he would veto the legislation while acknowledging that congress could override his decision. The president framed the issue in terms of democratic accountability, arguing that crimes against the democratic system demand appropriate punishment. His position is informed by personal experience, as investigations revealed he was targeted for assassination as part of the coup plot.
Legal experts have calculated that the bill would cut Bolsonaro’s minimum high-security detention period from six years to slightly more than two years. This reduction is achieved through a mechanism that consolidates sentences for multiple related crimes, counting only the most severe offense. Additional time could be reduced through standard programs that reward positive behavior and educational activities during incarceration.
Bolsonaro currently resides in a specialized cell designed for high-profile prisoners at federal police headquarters in the capital. His legal team is working to secure authorization for him to undergo necessary medical procedures, specifically hernia surgery. The family’s public statements have acknowledged that while the legislation doesn’t provide complete amnesty, it represents meaningful progress toward their goals.
The bill’s reach extends to all individuals convicted in connection with the coup attempt, including high-ranking military officials and hundreds of civilians who participated in violent actions. This broad application has troubled advocates for democratic accountability, who had celebrated the original convictions as a significant step forward for Brazilian democracy. Recent polling indicates that most Brazilians support maintaining the original sentences, suggesting a disconnect between public sentiment and legislative action that could influence future electoral politics.