Brazil’s Senate has approved a bill that could sharply reduce the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a move that is expected to face strong opposition from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Supreme Court.
The legislation, passed by 48 votes to 25, would shorten Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence to just over two years. It now goes to President Lula, who has not said whether he will sign it into law or veto it. Members of Lula’s government have already signalled they are against the measure.
Bolsonaro began serving his sentence last month after being convicted of plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
The bill had already been approved by Brazil’s lower house last week and also introduces sentence reductions for people convicted over their roles in the January 2023 riots in Brasília, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court.
Supporters of the bill argue it is aimed at promoting national reconciliation. Senator Esperidião Amin, who sponsored the legislation in the Senate, described it as “part of our path to peace” after the vote.
However, critics say the measure undermines accountability for attacks on Brazil’s democracy. Around 2,000 people were arrested following the Brasília riots, which were widely compared to the January 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Many of those involved have since been convicted by the Supreme Court of attempting a coup and other serious crimes.
The bill changes how sentences are calculated, limiting cumulative punishments for multiple offences and allowing reduced sentences for people who took part in crowd actions but were not organisers or financiers.
Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, welcomed the Senate’s decision, saying it was not ideal but reflected what was politically possible.
Government ministers and lawmakers allied with President Lula have strongly criticised the bill. Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann said those who attacked democracy “must pay for their crimes” and warned the government would oppose the measure.
There are also signs the bill could be challenged in court. Lula’s Workers’ Party has indicated it may appeal to the Supreme Court, raising further uncertainty over whether the legislation will ultimately take effect.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda betw...
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and D...
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celeb...
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconfer...
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda between the two countries.
Tajikistan has strengthened its position as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the trend is supported by investment activity, industrial expansion and large-scale infrastructure projects.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 to close out the series 4-1 and claim their first NBA championship since 1973, sparking celebrations across New York City.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment