SAO PAULO, Brazil (BN24) — Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across multiple Brazilian cities Sunday, demanding amnesty for alleged coup plotters while denouncing Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The demonstrations occurred as Bolsonaro faces serious legal challenges stemming from accusations that he orchestrated a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 general election. Protesters gathered in several cities calling for pardons for those involved in the alleged conspiracy that unfolded in the days after Lula’s inauguration in January 2023.
Bolsonaro himself could not physically attend the protests due to court-imposed restrictions. The former president remains under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet, prohibited from leaving his residence on weekends and holidays under an order issued by Justice Moraes. However, Bolsonaro participated remotely when his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, placed him on speakerphone during the Rio de Janeiro demonstration.
The protests come as Bolsonaro faces mounting legal pressure. In March, a five-judge Supreme Federal Court panel unanimously decided to put the far-right leader on trial for allegedly conspiring to overthrow Lula’s government. Court proceedings are expected later this year, and if convicted, Bolsonaro could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Justice Moraes, who serves as the reporting justice in Bolsonaro’s case, recently imposed additional precautionary measures against the former president. The restrictions followed Moraes’ determination that Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo, an elected lawmaker currently residing in the United States, had collaborated with U.S. authorities in attempts to interfere in Brazilian domestic affairs.
The protests occurred against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States. Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on most Brazilian goods, specifically citing what it characterized as a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro.
The U.S. government also targeted Moraes directly, imposing financial sanctions against the Supreme Court justice under the Magnitsky Act. The legislation allows American authorities to impose economic penalties against foreign individuals deemed to have records of corruption or human rights abuses.
Sunday’s demonstrators, many wearing Brazilian national team jerseys, chanted “Magnitsky” while directing insults toward both Moraes and President Lula. American flags were prominently displayed throughout the crowds, along with signs expressing support for former U.S. President Trump.
The protests reflect the continued polarization in Brazilian politics following the contentious 2022 election that saw Lula narrowly defeat Bolsonaro. The far-right leader’s supporters have maintained their opposition to the Supreme Court’s investigation into the alleged coup attempt, viewing the proceedings as politically motivated persecution.
Bolsonaro’s legal troubles extend beyond the coup conspiracy charges. The former president faces multiple investigations related to his conduct while in office, including allegations of abuse of power and attempts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions.
The international dimension of the controversy has complicated Brazil’s foreign relations, particularly with the United States under the Trump administration. The imposition of trade tariffs and sanctions against a sitting Supreme Court justice represents an unusual level of American intervention in Brazilian judicial affairs.
The weekend protests demonstrated that Bolsonaro retains significant support among his political base, despite his legal challenges and physical restrictions. His ability to mobilize supporters remotely while under house arrest underscores his continued influence within Brazil’s far-right political movement.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro are expected to remain a source of political tension in Brazil throughout 2025, as his supporters continue to challenge the legitimacy of the charges while demanding amnesty for those involved in the alleged coup attempt.
Source: Reuters
