Thousands of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets across several cities on Sunday to protest against Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, demanding amnesty for those involved in the alleged coup attempt following Bolsonaro’s 2022 election loss.
Demonstrators, many draped in Brazil’s national colors and sporting national team jerseys, gathered in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília, chanting slogans such as “Magnitsky”, a reference to recent U.S. sanctions against Justice Moraes, and calling for freedom for Bolsonaro and his allies. Some protesters carried American flags and pro-Donald Trump signs, echoing claims of political persecution.
Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest and prohibited from leaving his residence on weekends and holidays, did not attend the rallies. However, he addressed the crowd in Rio via phone, introduced by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The former president is wearing an electronic ankle monitor and remains a defendant in a case overseen by Justice Moraes.
In March, a five-judge panel of the STF unanimously voted to put Bolsonaro on trial for allegedly conspiring to stage a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election. The trial, expected later this year, could result in a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.
The protests come amid rising diplomatic tension between Brazil and the United States. Last week, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian imports, citing what it called a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro. Additionally, the U.S. sanctioned Justice Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act, accusing him of violating human rights and engaging in corruption, a move Brazil’s government condemned as foreign interference.
Justice Moraes, who is leading multiple investigations into Bolsonaro and his political allies, also imposed precautionary measures last month, accusing Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo, currently residing in the U.S, of attempting to collaborate with U.S. authorities to undermine Brazil’s institutions.
As Bolsonaro’s legal troubles deepen and tensions with Washington rise, Sunday’s demonstrations signal continued support for the former far-right leader and a growing rift within Brazil’s polarized political landscape.
Written By Rodney Mbua
