Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters rallied in Rio de Janeiro, pushing for amnesty for those convicted for the January riots. Bolsonaro, facing coup-related charges, aspires to run in 2026 elections and claims political victimization. The upcoming Supreme Court ruling on March 25 could significantly impact his future.
On Sunday, several thousand supporters rallied at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro to express their allegiance to Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, who faces coup-related accusations. Bolsonaro, aiming to regain political power in the upcoming elections, has encouraged a million-person demonstration to showcase his support.
Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, aims to mirror the political resurgence of Donald Trump. Supporter Jose de Souza Vitorino remarked, “I am here because I want to leave a better Brazil for my children. We are living in a dark time.”
The gathering aimed to demand amnesty for individuals convicted of participating in the January 8, 2023 riots, during which Bolsonaro’s supporters assaulted key government buildings. Protesters also called for the military to remove President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 elections.
These violent riots bore resemblance to the U.S. Capitol attack, and officials allege they were part of a conspiratorial effort by Bolsonaro to reclaim power. Brazil’s Supreme Court will assess the evidence against Bolsonaro on March 25, as he faces potential imprisonment exceeding 40 years.
Bolsonaro, often labeled the “Trump of the Tropics,” maintains that he is a victim of political persecution that aims to bar him from the 2026 elections. Currently ineligible to hold office until 2030 due to unfounded claims about voting fraud, he hopes to reverse this ban. Political analyst Andre Rosa interprets the rally’s intent as Bolsonaro’s way to deliver a message to his political rivals and reinforce his candidacy aspirations.
The political landscape is further complicated by concerns regarding Lula’s health and declining popularity amid rising inflation.
The recent rally at Copacabana beach highlighted substantial support for Jair Bolsonaro amid serious legal challenges. As he prepares for a potential political comeback in 2026, his followers are advocating for amnesty for those involved in past political unrest. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding President Lula’s stability and re-election prospects, underlining a divided political landscape in Brazil.
Original Source: www.france24.com
