Brazil’s Top Court Blocks Early Release Plan for Jailed Ex-President

Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has put the brakes on a bill that would have drastically shortened the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The justice ruled that the bill, which aimed to cut Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence down to just over two years, cannot take effect until the court finishes reviewing legal challenges calling it unconstitutional. Two political parties and a press group filed separate complaints to block the bill soon after Congress approved it last month. The move came despite President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s earlier attempt to veto the legislation. Critics argue the bill would have allowed Bolsonaro to walk free by 2028, raising concerns about fairness in cases tied to the January 2023 riot by his supporters.Bolsonaro’s legal team hasn’t yet formally asked the court to reduce his sentence based on the new bill. Instead, they’ve filed a separate request for a criminal review to overturn his conviction entirely. Currently, he’s serving his sentence under house arrest after an initial medical evaluation allowed him to leave prison early. The Supreme Court is now reviewing two lawsuits that argue the bill violates constitutional principles. Until the top court makes a final call, the early release plan remains on hold. The case highlights ongoing tensions in Brazil’s justice system over how to handle high-profile convictions.