Mass Protests in Brazil Demand No Amnesty for Bolsonaro

Tens of thousands of Brazilians have rallied nationwide, insisting that their former president Jair Bolsonaro should not receive any amnesty following his conviction for conspiracy to orchestrate a coup.

The far-right leader was sentenced to 27 years in prison earlier this month after illegally attempting to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his left-leaning rival.

On Sunday, large crowds gathered in major cities across Brazil to protest against right-wing efforts to secure Bolsonaro’s release from prison, which included plans to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and a Supreme Court judge.

The demonstrations were led by beloved Brazilian artists, including legendary musicians who played key roles during the struggle against the military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985: Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil.

“The Brazilian people elected Lula – and that’s why democracy in Brazil continues,” Veloso stated to the thousands gathered at Rio’s Copacabana beach, despite sweltering 35C heat. As the trio performed songs from the dictatorship era, the crowd chanted: “Sem anistia” (“No amnesty”).

Protesters expressed frustration over the conservative-led lower house’s recent passing of a draft bill, derided as the “Bandit’s Bill,” which would make it more challenging to charge lawmakers with alleged crimes. Public figures including Golden Globe-nominated actor Wagner Moura joined protests in other cities, emphasizing the importance of democracy.

In São Paulo, a massive crowd gathered, waving a large Brazilian flag, responding to Trump’s interference during Bolsonaro’s trial. Meanwhile, protests occurred internationally, from Berlin to London, with demonstrators demanding Bolsonaro’s imprisonment and echoing calls for accountability and justice.