Lula to Veto Bill Freeing Bolsonaro from 27-Year Sentence
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Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he will block a bill that could free his imprisoned predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.
On Thursday, Lula vowed a total veto. "With all due respect to the National Congress, when it reaches my desk, I will veto it," he stated.
The bill, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, would drastically reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence. The lower house of Congress had already approved it.
Bolsonaro was arrested in November for his role in attempting a coup. The proposed law would apply to crimes he was convicted for.
Lula emphasized that those who commit crimes against the state must be held accountable. The move sets up a political clash with Brazil's legislature.