Brasília — Brazil’s Congress passed a bill on Thursday that will drastically reduce the 27-year prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup to overturn the results of the 2022 election. The decision has sparked intense reactions both domestically and internationally.

Last year, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court for conspiring with allies to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after his electoral defeat. The court found that Bolsonaro and his allies plotted a scheme to overturn the democratic process, constituting a serious crime against the state.

The bill passed by Congress allows for sentence reductions for certain types of political crimes, potentially resulting in a significant shortening of Bolsonaro’s term. Supporters of the legislation argue it is a necessary step toward national reconciliation and political stability. However, critics condemn the bill as an erosion of judicial independence and a threat to democratic rule of law.

Reactions within Brazil have been deeply polarized. Bolsonaro’s supporters gathered outside Congress to celebrate, while opponents organized protests denouncing the move as a betrayal of the January 8, 2023, congressional riots.

International human rights organizations and several Latin American governments have expressed concern over the decision, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent that weakens the protection of democratic institutions across the region.

Source: BBC News