News|Jair BolsonaroBrazil’s Chamber of Deputies passes bill to lower Bolsonaro’s sentenceThe controversial bill, which prompted a scuffle in Congress’s lower chamber, now proceeds to the Senate for a vote.
Sao Paulo, Brazil – The Brazilian lower house has approved a bill that could potentially reduce the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, initially sentenced to 27 years for attempting a coup.
Sao Paulo, Brazil – The Brazilian lower house has approved a bill that could potentially reduce the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, initially sentenced to 27 years for attempting a coup.
The bill, pending Senate approval, seeks to reduce sentences for over 1,000 individuals involved in the January 8, 2023, attacks when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government facilities in Brasilia. This includes Bolsonaro, several ministers, and military officials convicted of attempting to retain power following the 2022 elections.
The bill's vote, held late on Tuesday night, was marked by significant opposition and led to a chaotic scene in the Chamber of Deputies. Glauber Braga, a left-wing congressman, attempted to block the vote, resulting in his removal by police. This incident escalated tensions, leading to confrontations involving lawmakers, police, and journalists.
Congress members in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies consider a bill to alter sentencing guidelines for certain crimes, including those involving coups d’etat, on December 9 [Eraldo Peres/AP Photo]
This includes Bolsonaro, several ministers, and military officials convicted of attempting to retain power following the 2022 elections.
Reports indicate that journalists were expelled from the chamber, and the live television signal was cut. Following Braga's removal, police efforts to clear reporters led to allegations of physical aggression against the press.
Maria do Rosario, a congresswoman from the Workers’ Party, criticized the handling of the protest and the use of force against Braga. Chamber President Hugo Motta defended the legislative process but acknowledged the need to investigate press coverage incidents.
Bolsonaro, found guilty in September on multiple charges, continues to dispute the 2022 election results. He remains in custody at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia since November.
Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president's son, announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential race. However, he initially indicated that he might withdraw if his father were released, a statement he later retracted. Brazil’s Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill in the coming week.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.