STF Suspends Law That Would Reduce Bolsonaro’s Sentence
Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of the application of a law that could have resulted in a significant reduction of the sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, convicted for involvement in a coup plot after his defeat in the 2022 elections. The decision was made last Saturday, with the intention of waiting for a full session of the Supreme Court to be convened to assess the appeals challenging the constitutionality of the legislation.
Background to the Decision
The conviction of Bolsonaro, for his role in a scheme to try to remain in office after losing to leftist rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022, has become a central issue for the political right in Brazil, which has been pushing for his release. In September, the STF had imposed a 27-year prison sentence on the former president, but a law passed in December by Congress, which has a conservative majority, could benefit Bolsonaro and others convicted in the same case, allowing their sentences to be reduced.
Although President Lula vetoed the bill in January, a vote held by Bolsonaro’s allies in Congress managed to override the veto in late April. Since then, petitioners have asked the STF to annul the law, arguing that it is unconstitutional.
Impact of the Decision on the Legal Process
With Moraes’ decision, lawyers for those convicted must now file individual requests for sentence reductions. The justice’s order essentially suspends these requests until the court has the opportunity to deliberate on the constitutionality of the new law.
Last Friday, lawyers for Bolsonaro, who is 71, filed a new appeal with the STF, seeking the annulment of what they described as a “grave injustice.”
Repercussions of the Conviction
Bolsonaro’s conviction and sentence remain a controversial point on the Brazilian political scene. His allies denounce the decision as political persecution, while opponents applaud the measure as a necessary form of accountability, saying that even former presidents must face the consequences of their actions.
