Lower sentences for Capitol invaders are a reflection of the time convicts actually serve in prison in the US

The prison sentences imposed by the American courts against the invaders of the Capitol in Washington have been, in general, lower than those of the Brazilian courts, if equivalent roles played in the depredation of the buildings at Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília are considered.

But it is necessary to remember that convicts in the United States actually serve the expected time in prison, unlike what happens in Brazil.

Aécio Pereira’s sentence to 17 years in prison is close to the sentence given to Ethan Nordean, leader of the Proud Boys group in Seattle, sentenced to 18 years for being considered the field commander of the invasion of the American Congress.

Pereira’s role was much less prominent. Similar acts were punishable by around 10 years in prison.

But Nordean must actually serve this period, while Pereira, as a first-time offender, if he has good behavior, should not spend much time in jail.

Of the more than 1,100 people formally charged by the courts for the invasion of the Capitol, the highest sentence so far was imposed on Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys: 22 years.

He was not in Washington on January 6, 2021, but was considered the main organizer of the movement.

Former President Donald Trump, accused of political responsibility for the attack, could be sentenced to decades in prison. In December 2020, he called his followers to a rally at the Washington Obelisk before the invasion, in which he encouraged them to go down Pennsylvania Avenue and pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the session certifying Joe Biden’s victory, and other legislators, to stop the process.

“Fight to get your country back,” urged Trump, knowing that there were armed people in the crowd: he wanted the metal detectors to be turned off by the Secret Service, which provided security, so that everyone could quickly enter the rally area with your weapons