Brasília – On September 18, 2025, Brazil’s parliament passed a bill with a decisive vote of 311 to 163, aiming to pardon all defendants in the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro, convicted by the Supreme Court of an attempted coup in 2022 and sentenced to 27 years in prison. The move, driven by Bolsonaro’s right-wing allies, seeks to overturn his conviction and free him from incarceration, a development that has reignited political tensions in the nation.

Bolsonaro, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was found guilty in September 2025 of plotting to remain in power after losing the 2022 election, a ruling that has polarized Brazil. The pardon bill, fast-tracked through Congress, reflects a significant backlash against the judiciary, with supporters arguing it restores democratic balance. However, current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced his intention to veto the law, stating, “I will use my presidential power to prevent this injustice from prevailing.” Lula’s veto, if upheld, could lead to a constitutional crisis, as the parliament might override it with a two-thirds majority. The international community, including the U.S., watches closely as Brazil navigates this pivotal moment.