Brazil Lower House Passes Bill That Could Sharply Cut Bolsonaro’s Sentence | WPN World People News

Brazil’s lower house of Congress passed a bill early on the 10th that could significantly reduce the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup. Attempts by some lawmakers to disrupt the agenda ahead of the vote triggered turmoil inside Congress.

Bolsonaro has been serving a 27-year-and-three-month sentence since November for allegedly orchestrating efforts to overturn the results of the 2022 election and block current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. For months, Bolsonaro’s supporters have floated various proposals to ease his punishment, including an amnesty plan that previously collapsed amid nationwide protests.

Lawmakers have continued debating legislation that would substantially cut sentences for several offenses, including attempted coup d’état. If approved and applied, the changes could reduce the 70-year-old Bolsonaro’s remaining prison term to just over two years. Any final reduction, however, would still require the judiciary to resentence him under the new provisions approved by Congress.