A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has temporarily blocked legislation that would have significantly shortened the prison term of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving 27 years for attempting to orchestrate a coup following his 2022 electoral defeat.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the suspension order on Saturday, preventing the implementation of the sentence reduction measure while the nation’s highest court examines its constitutionality, according to court documents.
The controversial legislation, which received congressional approval last month after lawmakers overrode President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s veto, would have slashed Bolsonaro’s sentence to approximately two years. Under this reduced term, the former right-wing leader could have been released as early as 2028.
Two political parties in Brazil, along with the press association ABI, filed separate legal challenges this week arguing the law violates the constitution. The measure would also have reduced penalties for individuals convicted in connection with the January 2023 uprising, when Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed and damaged the presidential palace, Supreme Court building, and congressional offices.
Justice Moraes determined the law cannot take effect until the Supreme Court completes its review of two separate cases seeking to invalidate the measure on constitutional grounds.
Bolsonaro’s legal team has not yet formally petitioned the court to apply the sentence reduction to their client. However, on Friday, his attorneys submitted a motion requesting criminal review to have the Supreme Court overturn his conviction entirely.
The former president is currently serving his sentence under humanitarian house arrest conditions, which were initially granted for 90 days based on medical considerations.
