Brazil Congress Moves to Cut Bolsonaro’s 27-Year Prison Sentence

Brazil’s Congress has approved a controversial measure that could significantly reduce the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, marking a major political setback for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Lawmakers voted to override Lula’s earlier veto of the bill, which alters how sentences are calculated for those convicted over the January 8, 2023 attacks on government institutions in Brasília.

Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison after being convicted of orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat. However, analysts say the new legislation could cut his sentence by up to 20 years, potentially allowing for a much earlier release.

Under the revised rules, overlapping charges may be treated as a single offence, reducing total prison time. The law could also benefit hundreds of others convicted in connection with the riots.

Despite the congressional approval, the measure faces legal uncertainty, as critics argue it may be unconstitutional and are expected to challenge it in Brazil’s Supreme Court.

Bolsonaro, who began serving his sentence in late 2025, is currently under house arrest on medical grounds, following a series of health complications.

The move highlights growing political tensions in Brazil ahead of the October 2026 elections, with Lula facing mounting resistance in Congress and Bolsonaro’s allies gaining momentum.

Observers say the decision could reshape Brazil’s political landscape, keeping Bolsonaro a central figure despite his conviction.