Brazils President Lula Vetos Bill Reducing Bolsonaros Prison Term

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has vetoed a bill that would have reduced the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The legislation had passed Brazil’s opposition-controlled Congress in December.

The bill aimed to reduce Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence, which he received after being found guilty on various counts including attempting a coup and causing damage to public property. Lula’s veto came on the third anniversary of an attack on government buildings in Brasilia, where thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed the premises in January 2023.

The incident occurred during the certification of Lula’s election victory in 2022, which was disputed by Bolsonaro and his allies. They claimed that Brazil’s electronic voting machines were susceptible to fraud, but their petition was rejected for lacking evidence. The weeks surrounding Lula’s inauguration were marked by reports of a bomb threat and an attack on police headquarters.

Prosecutors later accused Bolsonaro and his allies of leading a criminal conspiracy to overturn the election results. One of the options allegedly considered was declaring a “state of siege” in Brazil, which would have allowed the military to take control and hold new elections. Another option reportedly involved assassinating Lula and his running mate.

Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, conservative politicians have called for his sentence to be reduced. Bolsonaro’s family members, including his son Eduardo and eldest child Flavio, have expressed support for his release.

The veto marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment. Lula has stated that reducing Bolsonaro’s sentence would benefit those who attacked Brazilian democracy.

Source: Al Jazeera