Brazilians Flood Streets to Oppose Bolsonaro Amnesty Bill
Mass protests sweep Brazil against Bolsonaro amnesty bill.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets across all 26 states and the Federal District, rallying against a controversial bill that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, convicted for their roles in a 2023 coup attempt. The demonstrations, marked by vibrant displays of music, art, and unity, underscored deep divisions in Latin America’s largest democracy as citizens voiced outrage over efforts to shield politicians from accountability.
The protests were sparked by recent moves in Brazil’s lower house, which on Tuesday passed a constitutional amendment complicating arrests and criminal proceedings against lawmakers. The measure, now under Senate review, has raised alarms about eroding democratic checks. On Wednesday, the lower house further escalated tensions by fast-tracking a bill, supported by right-wing lawmakers, that could pardon Bolsonaro, his inner circle, and hundreds of supporters convicted for their actions during the January 2023 uprising, when pro-Bolsonaro rioters stormed government buildings in an attempt to overturn the 2022 election results.
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Bolsonaro, sentenced on September 11 to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to subvert the 2022 election he lost, became the first former Brazilian president convicted of trying to undermine an election. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the charges are politically motivated. The prospect of his amnesty has galvanized both supporters and detractors, splitting the nation.
Sunday’s protests saw an outpouring of prominent cultural figures leading the charge. In Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana neighborhood, music legends Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil—veterans of resistance against Brazil’s 1960s military dictatorship—headlined a massive rally. “The idea of shielding lawmakers and granting amnesty to coup plotters is an affront to democracy,” Veloso told Brazilian outlet UOL. “The Brazilian people deserve better, and we’re here to demand it.”
Pop superstar Anitta, a global icon from Rio, amplified the call to action on Instagram, urging her millions of followers to hold politicians accountable. “We, the people, decide the direction of this country,” she declared in a viral video. “Politicians work for us, not themselves.” Her words resonated with protesters like Dulce Oliveira, a 53-year-old teacher in Brasilia, who told AP, “This is about showing those in power that they answer to us. We won’t let them erase justice for their own gain.”
In Salvador, Bahia, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, known for his roles in Narcos and Elite Squad, addressed a spirited crowd from atop a truck. “This is a defining moment for Brazil,” Moura said, emphasizing the global significance of the country’s democratic resilience. “We’re showing the world what it means to fight for justice.”
The protests, organized by a coalition of artists, intellectuals, and left-wing groups, marked a rare show of strength for Brazil’s progressive movements, which have struggled to match the mobilization power of Bolsonaro’s right-wing base. Just two weeks ago, on September 7, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters rallied in his defense ahead of his Supreme Court trial, highlighting the polarized climate.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. A Datafolha poll released on September 16 revealed that 50% of Brazilians support Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment, while 43% oppose it, and 7% are undecided. The survey, conducted with 2,005 respondents nationwide, carries a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Analysts say the amnesty bill’s fate in the Senate could further inflame tensions, with both sides digging in.
As the Senate prepares to debate the amendment and amnesty bill, Sunday’s protests sent a clear message: Brazil’s democracy is under scrutiny, and its people are watching. For many, like Oliveira, the fight is personal. “This isn’t just about Bolsonaro,” she said. “It’s about ensuring our voices are heard and our democracy endures.”
