Brazil’s political landscape has been thrown into fresh turmoil following a dramatic vote in the country’s lower house of Congress that could see former President Jair Bolsonaro’s prison sentence slashed from over 27 years to just a little more than two. The move, which unfolded on December 10, 2025, comes just months after Bolsonaro was convicted for orchestrating an unsuccessful coup attempt in the wake of his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The bill’s passage has ignited fierce debate, raising questions about justice, political accountability, and the future direction of the nation’s democracy.
According to DW, the lower house approved the controversial bill by a margin of 291 to 148 in the early hours of December 10. The legislation specifically targets prison sentences for Brazilians convicted of crimes connected to the January 8, 2023 insurrection attempt, which erupted after Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, refusing to accept the election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. If the Senate now gives its blessing, Bolsonaro’s sentence could be cut to just over two years—a dramatic reduction that many critics say risks undermining the rule of law.
Bolsonaro, now 70, is currently being held in a federal prison in Brasília. His conviction in September 2025, as reported by DW, came after a court found him guilty of masterminding the failed coup and attempting to block Lula da Silva from taking office. The verdict marked a historic moment for Brazil, as it was the first time a former president had been handed such a severe punishment for crimes against the democratic order.
But the story doesn’t end there. Bolsonaro’s legal team has been working feverishly behind the scenes, petitioning the Supreme Court for permission to release him from custody so he can undergo urgent surgical procedures. They argue that his health is deteriorating and that he requires immediate hospitalization. In addition, his lawyers have requested that he be allowed to serve his sentence at home on humanitarian grounds, a plea that has further fueled debate over whether the former president is being afforded special treatment.
The timing of the lower house’s vote is notable for another reason: it comes just days after Bolsonaro’s son announced his candidacy for next year’s elections, according to reporting from Brazilian media. This development has led some to speculate that political calculations may be influencing the legislative process, as lawmakers seek to navigate the shifting sands of public opinion and party alliances.
Supporters of the bill argue that the sentences handed down for the January 8 insurrection were excessively harsh and that the legislation is needed to ensure proportionality and fairness in the justice system. They point out that many of those convicted were first-time offenders and that the political climate at the time was highly charged. "We need to restore balance and avoid criminalizing political dissent," one lawmaker told local reporters, echoing a sentiment shared by several members of Bolsonaro’s party.
On the other side, critics warn that reducing Bolsonaro’s sentence sends a dangerous message—that powerful figures can escape the consequences of their actions, even when those actions threaten the very foundations of democracy. According to DW, opponents of the bill have accused Congress of setting a precedent that could embolden future attempts to subvert the electoral process. "This is not about forgiveness; it’s about accountability," a prominent opposition leader was quoted as saying. "If we let this stand, what’s to stop the next leader from trying the same thing?"
The events of January 8, 2023, remain fresh in the minds of many Brazilians. On that day, thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters, refusing to accept his electoral defeat, stormed Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace in scenes that shocked the world. The violence and chaos drew comparisons to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and prompted a swift response from Brazilian authorities, who vowed to hold those responsible to account.
The subsequent investigation uncovered evidence that Bolsonaro and several close associates had played a central role in inciting the unrest. In September, a federal court found him guilty of masterminding the coup attempt, resulting in a sentence of 27 years and three months. According to DW, the court’s decision was seen as a strong affirmation of Brazil’s commitment to democratic norms, even as the country continued to grapple with deep political divisions.
Now, with the lower house’s vote, those divisions have come roaring back to the surface. The proposed reduction in Bolsonaro’s sentence has sparked protests in major cities, with demonstrators demanding that lawmakers uphold the original verdict. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s supporters have rallied outside the prison in Brasília, calling for his immediate release and denouncing what they describe as a politically motivated witch hunt.
Legal experts are divided on the implications of the bill. Some argue that it represents a necessary correction to an overly punitive approach, while others warn that it risks undermining the credibility of the justice system. "This is a test of our institutions," one constitutional scholar told DW. "Do we apply the law equally, or do we bend the rules when it suits those in power?"
The Senate now faces intense pressure as it prepares to consider the bill. If approved, Bolsonaro could walk free in a matter of months, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of next year’s elections. If rejected, the former president will remain behind bars, and the country’s commitment to accountability will be reaffirmed—at least for now.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Brazil is at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only determine Bolsonaro’s fate but will also send a powerful message about the strength of the country’s democracy and its willingness to confront the legacy of political violence. For many Brazilians, the stakes could hardly be higher.
In the end, the outcome of this legislative battle will reverberate far beyond the walls of Congress or the confines of a prison cell in Brasília. It will shape the nation’s identity and signal to the world whether Brazil is prepared to defend its democratic institutions—or whether it is willing to let history repeat itself.