Tens of Thousands Protest Against Amnesty Bill for Bolsonaro and Allies

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across major Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília, to oppose a controversial bill that could grant legal amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his political allies. The proposed amnesty would cover those convicted for their roles in the January 2023 attempted military coup and political offenses, including Bolsonaro’s recent 27-year prison sentence for conspiring to overthrow the government after his 2022 election loss. The widespread demonstrations, organized by activists, left-wing parties, and prominent cultural figures like legendary musicians Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque, chanted the rallying cry “No Amnesty” (Sem Anistia). Protesters also denounced a related bill—dubbed the “Banditry Bill”—that aimed to grant sitting lawmakers greater immunity by requiring secret parliamentary votes before they could face criminal charges or arrest. The protests reflect a deep commitment to safeguarding Brazil’s democracy and demanding accountability for attacks on the constitutional order. While the Senate has since struck down the controversial “Shielding Bill,” Bolsonaro’s supporters in the conservative-majority Congress are still attempting to push the amnesty measure forward. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to veto any such legislation if it passes, highlighting the intense political division and the ongoing struggle between judicial oversight and legislative maneuverings in the country.