Brazil's Political Turmoil: Bolsonaro's Sentence Reduction and Legislative Chaos

Brazil's lower house voted to reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence, triggering political tension. The bill faces hurdles in the Senate and potential veto by President Lula. The move has been linked to political maneuvering involving Bolsonaro's son, amid ongoing legal challenges and protests in Congress.

Brazilian lawmakers voted on Wednesday to reduce the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro from 27 years to just over two. The decision, passed by the lower house in a 291-148 vote, faces significant challenges in the Senate and is expected to be vetoed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The bill, which has sparked significant political tension, responded to convictions related to the January 2023 riot, where Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings. Bolsonaro's son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, has been involved in political talks, linking his presidential ambitions to his father's freedom.

Government ministers and legal experts argue that the bill undermines Brazil's democratic fabric, with Lula's Institutional Relations Minister describing it as a 'serious setback.' Political chaos ensued in the lower house, culminating in a forceful removal of a protesting lawmaker and accusations of press intimidation.

(With inputs from agencies.)