Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters rallied at Copacabana Beach to advocate for amnesty related to an alleged coup attempt, despite the former president facing serious charges. The demonstration attracted around 18,000 attendees, contrasting with expectations of 1 million. Political analysts note declines in Bolsonaro’s influence, with evidence suggesting likely acceptance of charges against him by the Supreme Court.
On March 16, 2025, thousands of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gathered at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. This rally aimed to support a proposed bill that grants amnesty to individuals arrested for storming government buildings during an alleged coup attempt in January 2023. Reports estimate approximately 18,000 attendees, though Bolsonaro’s allies anticipated a crowd of 1 million.
The event occurred amid serious legal challenges for Bolsonaro, who faces charges of plotting a coup following his electoral defeat in 2022 to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The prosecutor-general’s charges implicate Bolsonaro in an alleged scheme to retain power, including extreme actions like poisoning Lula.
Bolsonaro, who had fled to the U.S. post-defeat, asserts his innocence and claims to be a target of political persecution. As he addressed his supporters at the rally, he backed his claims by stating, “Nobody buys that story…” He emphasized that being in the U.S. at the time kept him from potential imprisonment or harm.
The rally also highlighted Bolsonaro’s strategy to frame himself and his supporters as victims of wrongful prosecution. His son, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, urged attendees to support those imprisoned from the January 8 riot, referencing over 400 convictions. Observers note that Bolsonaro’s political influence seems to be waning despite efforts to rally support.
Political analysts express skepticism about the rally’s turnout, indicating a potential decline in Bolsonaro’s support base. Law professor Thiago Bottino suggested that evidence against Bolsonaro is substantial enough to proceed with trial preparations, highlighting the serious nature of the legal proceedings against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to decide on the charges soon, adding urgency to the political atmosphere surrounding the protest.
The rally for Bolsonaro at Copacabana Beach underscores the ongoing struggle between his supporters and political opposition amid grave legal challenges. As the former president fights serious accusations related to a coup attempt, the diminishing turnout at such events suggests a possible decline in his political power. Meanwhile, analysts point to sufficient evidence to likely result in a trial, as Bolsonaro’s narrative of victimhood plays out amid increasing tensions in Brazilian politics.
Original Source: apnews.com
