In a move that has ignited fierce debate across the nation, Brazil's Senate has approved legislation that could significantly reduce the prison sentence of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. The bill, which passed the upper house on Wednesday, directly benefits Bolsonaro, who was convicted for his role in plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election to left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
From Eight Years to Two: A Drastic Reduction in Sentence
The core of the new legislation changes how prison sentences are calculated for specific crimes. Jair Bolsonaro, 70, began a 27-year sentence in November 2024. Under the previous rules, he was expected to serve at least eight years in prison before becoming eligible for a more lenient regime. However, with this bill, his time behind bars could be slashed to just over two years.
The bill had already been passed by the conservative-controlled lower chamber last week and now awaits action from President Lula. The legislation moved with surprising speed through Congress, following months of lobbying by Bolsonaro's political allies. His eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who has been anointed as the right's candidate for the 2026 elections, urged the Senate to "address this issue once and for all."
Protests and Political Backlash
The move has not been met without significant opposition. On Sunday, protests erupted in cities across Brazil, with demonstrators chanting "no amnesty" and holding banners that declared Congress the "enemy of the people." Despite the political divisions, the Senate passed the bill with a vote of 48 to 25.
Centrist Senator Renan Calheiros condemned the vote as a "farce" and stormed out of the session. He accused the government's parliamentary allies of allowing the vote to proceed in exchange for support on a budget initiative, suggesting a backroom deal. In contrast, the bill's author, lawmaker Paulinho da Forca, defended it as a "gesture of reconciliation" in a deeply polarized country.
Senators did amend the bill's wording to limit its scope, addressing concerns that it could benefit a wide range of criminals. It is now specifically aimed at those convicted for the coup plot and over 100 Bolsonaro supporters imprisoned for their roles in the January 2023 riots in Brasilia that targeted government buildings.
Lula's Veto and the Road Ahead
President Lula has vowed to veto the bill, stating unequivocally that Bolsonaro "must pay" for his crimes. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues from Lula's Workers' Party confirmed, "This bill is destined to be vetoed." However, the final word rests with Congress, which holds the power to override a presidential veto.
Bolsonaro's conviction stems from a scheme designed to prevent Lula from taking office after a razor-thin election loss. Prosecutors detailed an alleged plot that included plans to assassinate Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes. They stated the plan ultimately failed due to a lack of support from the military's top leadership.
Currently, Bolsonaro is serving his sentence in a special room at a police facility in Brasilia. His jail term began dramatically when, under house arrest, he used a soldering iron to remove his ankle monitoring bracelet. As the legal and political battle over his sentence continues, the bill represents a major victory for his base and a critical test for Brazil's democratic institutions.
