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Mass Protests for Bolsonaro on Brazilian Independence Day
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets across the country on Independence Day to show support for former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces a landmark trial for allegedly plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Nationwide Demonstrations
Major protests occurred in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, where Bolsonaro supporters gathered to express solidarity with the former leader. The demonstrations also targeted Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been overseeing the investigation into the alleged coup attempt.
In São Paulo, protesters carried a large American flag, highlighting the political alliance between Bolsonaro and former US President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly called the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro a "witch hunt" and last month imposed 50% import tariffs on Brazilian goods while sanctioning Justice Moraes.
Counter-Protests and Political Tensions
Meanwhile, approximately 8,800 people participated in counter-protests in São Paulo against potential amnesty for Bolsonaro. Demonstrators carried an inflatable doll of the former president in prison uniform, and several ministers from President Lula's cabinet joined the anti-Bolsonaro rally.
The protests occur as Brazil's Supreme Court prepares to deliver a verdict in the case against Bolsonaro, who faces charges of attempting to overthrow democratic institutions, leading an armed criminal organization, and plotting a coup following his electoral defeat.
International Implications
The trial has strained relations between Brazil and the United States, with the Trump administration taking unprecedented measures against Brazilian officials. The case represents a critical test for Brazil's young democracy and its judicial institutions' ability to hold former leaders accountable.
According to Brazilian news site Globo, the competing demonstrations reflect the deep political polarization that continues to divide Brazilian society three years after the contentious 2022 election.
