Brazil's President Lula stopped a new law. This law would make Jair Bolsonaro's prison time shorter. Congress passed the bill. Many of Bolsonaro's friends are in Congress. The law was to make his 27-year sentence less. He was found guilty of trying to hurt the government. President Lula said no on Thursday. This was on the anniversary of riots. Lula said the riots attacked democracy.
The bill went through Congress in December. It was to make Bolsonaro's punishment easier. He was guilty of planning to take power. He lost the election in 2022. Bolsonaro has been in prison since November. The law would change his sentence to two years. But President Lula said no. His government does not like hurting democracy. This is after the riots.
President Lula gave his reason. He said the law would help people who attacked democracy. He said January 8 was important. He called it a win for democracy. Those who tried to take power lost. Lula will protect democracy. This is after the attempted coup.
Congress wanted to shorten Bolsonaro's sentence. Congress is against President Lula. President Lula used his power to stop the bill. But Congress can try to change his mind. This could make things uncertain.
So, Bolsonaro's long sentence stays for now. President Lula wants to protect democracy. This shows a big difference between presidents. People in Brazil have different ideas. Congress may try to change the law. We will wait to see. President Lula is defending democracy. This is important for Brazil.