Ruptly
"The Brazilian Congress approved this Thursday a reduction in the sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro (in office from 2019 to 2023), who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup d'état in the 2022 elections and after overturning President Luiz Inácio Lula's veto on the penalty reform law. The vote reflected a clear majority of the opposition against the Executive. In the Chamber of Deputies, the veto was rejected with 318 votes in favor and 144 against, while in the Senate the decision was approved with 49 votes in favor and 24 against, with no abstentions. The session was filled with confrontations between political blocs. Legislators allied with former President Bolsonaro argued that the legislation under which the former leader was sentenced to nearly thirty years in prison imposed disproportionate penalties. "For freedom, for the first step to start doing justice in this country. (…) this great farce that becomes more evident every day. (...) Freedom! Vote No!", said the senator and son of the former Brazilian president, Flavio Bolsonaro. On the other hand, parties aligned with Lula's government criticized the decision, warning that it could weaken accountability for attacks on democracy. "We will go against those who tried to prevent the outcome of the polls. We will be here without fear (...) we will defeat anyone who tries to stand between the Brazilian nation and democracy," added Deputy María del Rosario. According to the current legal norm, the former Brazilian leader could only move to a semi-open regime in 2033, meaning he could leave prison during the day and return at night. However, if the new law comes into effect, the former president can change regimes within two to four years. The bill approved by Congress this afternoon reduces prison sentences for various crimes, including those committed against the democratic rule of law and leading a coup d'état, which could also benefit Bolsonaro supporters who were convicted of similar charges. Currently, Jair Bolsonaro is serving part of his sentence under house arrest for health reasons."
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