Brazil’s Congress reduces Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Congress on Thursday reduced former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence, a move that will likely be appealed to the country’s Supreme Court.

It’s unclear how much time Bolsonaro would serve for his conviction for leading a coup attempt, but analysts say the move could shave 20 years off his sentence. The former president, who began serving it in November, is currently under house arrest.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed the initiative in December. Congress overrode the veto in a vote that featured several opposition lawmakers making reference to October's election.

Lula is bidding for reelection with Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, one of the sons of the former president, as his most bitter rival.

The bill passed by Congress reduces prison terms for several crimes, including those against the democratic rule of law and leading a coup.

The move may also benefit supporters of Bolsonaro who were sentenced under similar charges.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america