Tens of thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets in a powerful display of opposition against a potential amnesty for former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup. The protests, which saw huge crowds in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, were also fueled by anger over a separate bill, dubbed the “Bandit’s Bill,” which would grant legal protections to lawmakers, making it harder to prosecute them.
Spearheaded by celebrated musicians and artists who were prominent figures in the fight against Brazil’s military dictatorship, the demonstrations underscored a deep-seated commitment to democracy. Legendary songwriters Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil performed for massive crowds, with chants of “Sem anistia” (“No amnesty”) echoing through the streets. Protesters also hoisted a giant Brazilian flag in São Paulo, a powerful patriotic gesture in response to recent foreign interference in the case against Bolsonaro.
The demonstrations, considered Brazil’s largest pro-democracy rallies in years, highlight the country’s ongoing political tensions. While a recent poll indicates that half of the population believes Bolsonaro should be jailed, the political landscape remains deeply divided. The proposed amnesty and the “Bandit’s Bill” have been widely condemned by critics as an attempt to undermine the rule of law and shield politicians from accountability, prompting this robust public outcry.
