Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court suspended a controversial sentencing law that could reduce prison terms for January 8 riot convicts, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, intensifying political and legal tensions over the attempted coup case.
A major legal and political confrontation unfolded in Brazil after the country’s Supreme Federal Court temporarily suspended a newly approved law that could significantly reduce prison sentences for individuals convicted in connection with the January 8, 2023 attacks on federal government institutions, including former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the suspension order on Saturday while reviewing the constitutionality of the legislation. The decision places the controversial measure on hold until the full court determines whether the law complies with Brazil’s constitutional framework and democratic principles.
The legislation was officially promulgated on Friday by Davi Alcolumbre after lawmakers overturned a veto imposed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The law, commonly referred to as the “dosimetry” bill, would lower prison sentences for crimes related to attempted coups and violent actions against the democratic order.
According to the proposal, individuals convicted as part of a crowd could receive sentence reductions ranging from one-third to two-thirds, provided prosecutors determine they were neither organisers nor financial supporters of the attacks. The measure could affect nearly 280 convicted individuals, including former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Justice Moraes stated in his ruling that suspending the law was necessary to maintain legal certainty and institutional stability while constitutional questions are examined by the full bench of the Supreme Federal Court. The court is expected to hear formal legal challenges in the coming days.
Bolsonaro was sentenced by the Supreme Federal Court in September last year to 27 years and three months in prison after being convicted of leading an attempted coup following his defeat in Brazil’s presidential election. Prosecutors argued that the former president played a central role in encouraging supporters who later stormed government buildings in Brasília on January 8, 2023.
The attacks targeted Brazil’s Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Federal Court in scenes that shocked the international community and raised fears about democratic instability in Latin America’s largest economy. Authorities described the violence as an organised attempt to overturn the election results and undermine constitutional governance.
The latest court intervention follows another recent judicial setback for Bolsonaro. In March, the First Chamber of the Supreme Federal Court rejected a request seeking humanitarian house arrest for the former president. Justice Moraes ruled that the prison facility where Bolsonaro is being held already provides adequate medical care.
The court also dismissed arguments from Bolsonaro’s defence team claiming deteriorating health conditions. Moraes noted that medical evaluations presented to the court did not recommend hospitalisation and added that Bolsonaro’s regular meetings with political allies indicated that his physical and mental condition remained stable under the current detention regime.
Meanwhile, political divisions in Brazil continue to deepen over the handling of the January 8 riot cases. Supporters of the dosimetry bill argue that some convicted individuals received excessively harsh punishments, particularly those who were not directly involved in organising the attacks. Critics, however, warn that reducing sentences could weaken accountability for anti-democratic actions and send a dangerous signal regarding future political violence.
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Brazil’s Congress overturned Lula’s veto by decisive margins, with lawmakers approving the measure 318-144 in the lower house and 49-24 in the Senate. The strong support highlighted continuing ideological divisions between Bolsonaro allies and Lula’s governing coalition.
As Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court prepares for a broader constitutional review, the dispute is expected to remain at the centre of the country’s political debate, with major implications for democratic accountability, judicial authority, and Bolsonaro’s legal future.
