Brazil judge bars law that could reduce Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence | Jair Bolsonaro News
Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Suspends Law That Could Reduce Bolsonaro’s Sentence
Published: May 9, 2026
SAO PAULO — Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has suspended the implementation of a law that could significantly shorten the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro. This decision came in light of Bolsonaro’s conviction related to his involvement in a coup plot following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
De Moraes issued the suspension on Saturday, stating that it would remain in effect until the Supreme Court convenes a full hearing to review appeals concerning the law’s constitutionality.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September for his role in the plot aimed at maintaining power after losing to left-wing opponent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A law passed by Brazil’s conservative-majority Congress in December proposed sentence reductions for Bolsonaro and others convicted in connection with the coup attempt.
President Lula vetoed this legislation in January, but Congress later overrode the veto in late April, allowing the law to move forward.
In response, opponents have challenged the new law, arguing it violates constitutional principles. Lawyers representing those convicted, including Bolsonaro, are required to file individual requests for sentence reductions. De Moraes’s ruling effectively halts those requests until the court has resolved the legal questions surrounding the law.
Bolsonaro’s legal team submitted a new appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday, labeling his conviction a “miscarriage of justice.” The case continues to evoke polarized opinions in Brazil, with supporters of Bolsonaro framing the conviction as politically motivated, while his critics view it as a vital step toward accountability for political leaders.
