Tens of thousands of Brazilians joined protests in cities across the country on Sunday to protest against a bill which could result in ex-President Jair Bolsonaro being granted amnesty. Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup earlier this month and has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. He will remain under house arrest until his lawyers have exhausted all appeals.
But the ex-leader's allies in the Chamber of Deputies have fast-tracked a bill which could see Bolsonaro and his co-defendants spared jail. The demonstrators also expressed their anger at the lower house's passing of a constitutional amendment which would make it harder to launch criminal proceedings against lawmakers. Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to give their approval - in a secret ballot - before a lawmaker could be charged or arrested. Critics have dubbed it the 'Banditry Bill' but supporters argue it's necessary to guard against 'judicial overreach'.
Sunday's protests, backed by trade unions, social groups, and left-wing political parties, drew vast crowds in major cities, where participants chanted 'no amnesty' and held placards denouncing Congress as 'shameless'. In Rio de Janeiro, notable musicians entertained the crowds as the protests escalated.
The protests also garnered the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who declared on X that he stands with the Brazilian people, emphasizing that the demonstrations reflect a desire for justice and against impunity. Lula has committed to vetoing the amnesty bill if it passes the Senate.
The situation highlights the ongoing division in Brazil, two weeks following rival rallies supporting Bolsonaro’s legal defenses. The Supreme Court found that Bolsonaro conspired to maintain power despite losing the 2022 election, culminating in the January 8 storming of Congress by his supporters. As tensions mount, the Brazilian populace remains divided on Bolsonaro's fate and the future of their democracy. Recent polls indicate a significant majority believe Bolsonaro should face prison time, demonstrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding this political crisis.
But the ex-leader's allies in the Chamber of Deputies have fast-tracked a bill which could see Bolsonaro and his co-defendants spared jail. The demonstrators also expressed their anger at the lower house's passing of a constitutional amendment which would make it harder to launch criminal proceedings against lawmakers. Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to give their approval - in a secret ballot - before a lawmaker could be charged or arrested. Critics have dubbed it the 'Banditry Bill' but supporters argue it's necessary to guard against 'judicial overreach'.
Sunday's protests, backed by trade unions, social groups, and left-wing political parties, drew vast crowds in major cities, where participants chanted 'no amnesty' and held placards denouncing Congress as 'shameless'. In Rio de Janeiro, notable musicians entertained the crowds as the protests escalated.
The protests also garnered the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who declared on X that he stands with the Brazilian people, emphasizing that the demonstrations reflect a desire for justice and against impunity. Lula has committed to vetoing the amnesty bill if it passes the Senate.
The situation highlights the ongoing division in Brazil, two weeks following rival rallies supporting Bolsonaro’s legal defenses. The Supreme Court found that Bolsonaro conspired to maintain power despite losing the 2022 election, culminating in the January 8 storming of Congress by his supporters. As tensions mount, the Brazilian populace remains divided on Bolsonaro's fate and the future of their democracy. Recent polls indicate a significant majority believe Bolsonaro should face prison time, demonstrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding this political crisis.
