Bolsonaro's Legal Battle: A Bid to Reduce Prison Time

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's lawyers have filed an appeal to reduce his 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup. The appeal seeks to review aspects of the conviction, questioning cumulative penalties. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the motion in November.

Lawyers representing Jair Bolsonaro, former President of Brazil, have submitted an appeal to reduce his 27-year prison sentence for allegedly plotting a coup intended to keep him in power after the 2022 election. Filed with the Supreme Court, the 85-page appeal questions specific aspects of the conviction, including the duration of the prison term.

Last month, the Supreme Court panel saw four out of five judges vote to convict Bolsonaro on various charges, including involvement in an armed criminal organization and conducting a coup. Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro maintains his innocence.

The appeal, termed a motion of clarification, is crucial for addressing perceived 'deep injustices' in the conviction and seeks to delineate between organizing a coup and attempting to abolish democracy violently. As Bolsonaro's lawyers await the Supreme Court's decision in November, he remains under house arrest since August.

(With inputs from agencies.)