A significant wave of public dissent swept through Brazil on Sunday, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in major urban centers. The core of the protests is a bill that could offer amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro, a move that has ignited widespread public outcry.
Bolsonaro recently received a conviction for plotting a coup, resulting in a 27-year prison sentence. He is currently held under house arrest pending the outcome of any appeals.
However, allies of the former president in the Chamber of Deputies have expedited a legislative proposal that could shield Bolsonaro and his associates from incarceration.
Adding to public anger, demonstrators also voiced their opposition to a constitutional amendment recently passed by the lower house. This amendment aims to complicate the process for initiating criminal proceedings against lawmakers, requiring congressional approval via a secret ballot before any charges or arrests can be made.
Critics have fiercely condemned the proposal, branding it the “Banditry Bill.” Proponents, conversely, argue it is essential to protect legislators from what they perceive as “judicial overreach.” The constitutional amendment is now set to move to the Senate for consideration.
Sunday’s protests saw widespread support from trade unions, various social organizations, and left-wing political parties, drawing massive crowds in numerous cities. Chants of “no amnesty” echoed through the streets, and many protesters held placards criticizing Congress as “shameless.” In Rio de Janeiro, the demonstrations were further energized by performances from renowned singers Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly supported the protests, stating on social media, “I stand with the Brazilian people. Today’s demonstrations show that the population does not want impunity or amnesty.” He has also pledged to veto the amnesty bill if it passes the Senate.
These anti-amnesty demonstrations follow closely behind rallies held by Bolsonaro’s supporters two weeks prior, who were protesting the legal actions taken against their former leader. The parallel demonstrations highlight the deep divisions within Brazilian society regarding the ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro.
The Brazilian Supreme Court majority concluded that Bolsonaro and his seven co-defendants had conspired to unlawfully retain power following his election loss to Lula in 2022. While their coup attempt faltered due to insufficient military backing, the court noted it led to the January 8, 2023, invasion of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace by Bolsonaro supporters. Over 1,500 arrests were made, with some individuals receiving significant prison sentences.
Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party has consistently advocated for amnesty for these individuals and the former president. However, the protestors on Sunday made their stance clear, shouting “prison for Bolsonaro” and many emphasizing their fight “for Brazil’s democracy.” Recent polling indicates a divided public opinion, with roughly half of respondents believing Bolsonaro should be imprisoned.