News|Jair BolsonaroBrazil’s President Lula vetoes bill to trim Bolsonaro prison sentenceThe opposition-controlled Congress voted in December to pass a bill that would reduce Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence.

Brazilian President Vetoes Sentence Reduction Bill for Jair Bolsonaro

On Thu, Jan 8, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed a legislative bill aimed at reducing the prison sentence of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro was convicted of orchestrating a coup attempt.

The bill was previously approved by Brazil's opposition-led Congress. President Lula's veto aligns with his commitment to block the legislation.

The veto coincides with the third anniversary of the January 8, 2023, incident when Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the Three Powers Plaza in Brasilia. This event resulted in significant property damage and injuries.

Bolsonaro had contested his electoral defeat in 2022, citing alleged voting machine fraud, which was dismissed by judicial authorities due to a lack of evidence.

In September 2025, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for charges including attempting a coup and damaging public property. He began serving his sentence in November 2025.

In December 2025, Brazil's Chamber of Deputies passed a bill to reduce sentences related to the January 8 events. The Senate subsequently approved the bill, prompting its submission to President Lula.

The bill's rejection by Lula highlights the political divide in Brazil, as conservative factions had supported it, while liberal groups opposed it. The bill's passage was seen as a political compromise within Brazil's right-wing political spectrum.

With upcoming elections in October 2026, the political implications of the veto are significant, as Bolsonaro remains influential among conservative voters. President Lula is expected to contest for a fourth term, facing potential opposition from Bolsonaro's son, Flavio Bolsonaro.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.