Left-wing leaders and cultural figures, led by Caetano Veloso, have called for nationwide protests after the lower house of Congress approved a bill that could reduce Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence. Bolsonaro was jailed following his conviction over a scheme to block Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office after the 2022 election; prosecutors say the plot even contemplated assassinations but failed for lack of military support. The bill must still pass the Senate and could be vetoed by President Lula, though a veto could be overturned. Demonstrations were planned in Rio, São Paulo, Brasília and about 10 other cities.
Brazil Braces for Nationwide Protests After Congress Approves Bill That Could Slash Bolsonaro's 27‑Year Sentence
Brazilian singers (L to R) Caetano Veloso, Djavan, Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil perform on stage during a musical protest against Congress in September (Bruno KAIUCA)(Bruno KAIUCA/AFP/AFP)
Brazilian left-wing leaders, cultural figures and activists — led by iconic singer Caetano Veloso — have called for nationwide demonstrations this Sunday after the country's conservative-majority Congress approved a bill that could substantially reduce former president Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence.
What Happened
On Wednesday, the lower chamber of Congress approved a measure that supporters say would shorten long sentences for some crimes; critics argue it is aimed at benefitting Bolsonaro after his conviction in a plot to stop President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office following the 2022 election.
The social media campaign for Sunday’s protests used hashtags such as #NoAmnesty and #CongressEnemyOfThePeople. Veloso, 83, shared a post urging people to "return Congress to the people" and invited supporters to a second round of the "musical protest" he helped lead on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach in September.
Legal And Political Context
Bolsonaro was jailed in November after being convicted over a scheme prosecutors say sought to prevent Lula from taking office. Authorities allege the plot included plans to assassinate President Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes; prosecutors say the plan unraveled because it failed to win backing from top military leaders.
Supporters of Bolsonaro in Congress had previously explored an amnesty for those implicated in the scheme, an idea that collapsed following mass protests in September. The sentence-reduction bill re-emerged days after Bolsonaro publicly anointed his son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, as his political heir ahead of the 2026 presidential race. Flavio said last weekend he might consider withdrawing a potential candidacy in exchange for an amnesty for his father, highlighting divisions within Brazil’s conservative movement.
Edinho Silva, president of the Workers' Party (PT): "Reducing the sentence for murderers is unacceptable. They approved the reduction of sentences for those who planned and tried to carry out a coup against democracy. Let's go to the streets...to protect what is essential to democracy."
Next Steps
The bill still must pass the Senate. President Lula could veto the measure, but such a veto could be overturned by Congress if the lower chamber again approves it. Organizers were calling for demonstrations in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília and roughly 10 other cities across the country.
This is a developing political confrontation that blends questions about criminal justice, democratic institutions and the run-up to the 2026 presidential campaign.
