# Flávio Bolsonaro backs amnesty for January 8 defendants

Date: 2026

On 30 April 2026, Senator [Flávio Bolsonaro](/people/flavio-bolsonaro) publicly backed a congressional push for amnesty benefiting people prosecuted over the 8 January 2023 attack on Brazil's democratic institutions and related cases. Senate reporting described Bolsonaro arguing for an amnesty measure as the political right intensified pressure to reverse penalties imposed on defendants after the attacks and subsequent coup investigations.

The initiative had direct relevance to [Jair Bolsonaro](/people/jair-bolsonaro) and his political allies because a broad amnesty could reduce consequences flowing from the post-election crisis and later prosecutions. Flávio Bolsonaro framed the measure as a response to excessive punishment and political persecution, while critics argued that reducing penalties for attacks on constitutional institutions would weaken legal accountability. He personally championed the legislative effort as a senator.

## People

- Flávio Bolsonaro: https://factrail.ai/people/flavio-bolsonaro

## Drivers

- Rule of Law: https://factrail.ai/drivers/rule-of-law

## Sources

- https://www12.senado.leg.br/noticias/materias/2026/04/30/congresso-derruba-veto-e-possibilita-reducao-de-penas-pelo-8-de-janeiro
- https://veja.abril.com.br/politica/a-gente-nao-vai-desistir-diz-flavio-bolsonaro-ao-defender-anistia-ampla-apos-eleicoes/

## Methodology

https://factrail.ai/methodology

Canonical: https://factrail.ai/facts/br-flavio-bolsonaro-backs-amnesty-january-8-defendants-2026-04-30