Lula Marks Jan. 8 Anniversary, Vetoes Bill Easing Sentences for Attack Convicts

Overview

• At a Planalto ceremony, Lula urged defense of democracy “with nails and teeth” and cast the anniversary as a warning against authoritarianism.
• He formalized a full veto of the PL da Dosimetria, which would have reduced penalties for those convicted over the 2023 invasions of Congress, the Planalto and the Supreme Court.
• Vice President Geraldo Alckmin credited Lula’s leadership with safeguarding democratic institutions and called for full accountability for those convicted.
• The presidents of the Chamber and the Senate skipped the government event, as did the Supreme Court president, while pro-PT demonstrators outside displayed hostile banners targeting the congressional leaders.
• In separate commemorations, Supreme Court chief Edson Fachin said no value justifies erasing democracy, and Lula released a video urging Brazilians not to forget Jan. 8.