What's happened
Brazil's lower house approved a bill to cut former President Bolsonaro's prison sentence from 27 years to just over two years, targeting those involved in the January 2023 coup attempt. President Lula is expected to veto the bill, but Congress may override it amid protests and political tension.
What's behind the headline?
The bill's rapid passage highlights Brazil's deep political divisions and the influence of Bolsonaro's supporters in Congress. While proponents see it as a step toward national reconciliation, critics argue it risks eroding accountability for attempted coups and undermining democratic institutions. Lula's expected veto underscores the ongoing contest between judicial accountability and political expediency. The bill's focus on reducing sentences for coup-related crimes could set a precedent that emboldens anti-democratic movements, especially if Congress overrides Lula's veto. The protests reflect a broader societal struggle over the country's democratic future, with Bolsonaro's supporters demanding leniency and opponents emphasizing justice and rule of law. The outcome will significantly impact Brazil's political stability and the precedent for handling political violence in the future.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the bill was approved by the lower house in a tense session marked by chaos and protests, with some lawmakers forcibly removed and journalists expelled. AP News notes that Lula has not yet committed to signing or vetoing the bill, which could reduce Bolsonaro's sentence to over two years. France 24 highlights the political maneuvering, protests, and the bill's potential to benefit Bolsonaro supporters involved in the January 2023 riots. Reuters emphasizes the legislative process, Lula's likely veto, and the political implications of the bill, including the possibility of Congress overriding a veto. Al Jazeera describes the chaotic vote, the protests, and the broader context of Bolsonaro's conviction and ongoing political polarization in Brazil.
How we got here
The bill aims to reduce sentences for those convicted of crimes related to the January 2023 riot, where Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings. Bolsonaro, convicted of plotting a coup, began serving a 27-year sentence in November. The legislation was fast-tracked through Congress amid political polarization and protests, with supporters framing it as reconciliation and opponents warning it undermines democracy.
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More on these topics
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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer who has been the 38th president of Brazil since 1 January 2019.
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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most