By Eniola Amadu
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to oppose a bill that could grant former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies amnesty, sparing them prison time despite convictions for plotting a coup.
New Daily Prime reported that Bolsonaro was sentenced earlier this month to 27 years in prison for conspiring to overturn the 2022 election, though he remains under house arrest while appeals are pending.
His allies in the Chamber of Deputies have since fast-tracked legislation that would shield him and his co-defendants from serving their sentences.
Protesters also voiced outrage at a constitutional amendment passed by the lower house that would make it harder to prosecute lawmakers.
Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to approve—through a secret ballot—any criminal charges or arrests of their colleagues.
Critics have branded it the “Banditry Bill,” while supporters argue it is needed to prevent judicial overreach. The measure now heads to the Senate.
The demonstrations, however, drew broad backing from trade unions, social movements, and left-leaning parties.
In Rio de Janeiro, music legends Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso performed for the crowds, many of whom carried signs reading “No Amnesty” and accused Congress of “shamelessness.”
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva endorsed the protests, writing on X: “I stand with the Brazilian people. Today’s demonstrations show that the population does not want impunity or amnesty.” He has also vowed to veto any amnesty bill that clears the Senate.
The rallies came just two weeks after Bolsonaro supporters staged counter-demonstrations denouncing the legal cases against him—highlighting the deep divisions in Brazilian society.
Bolsonaro, others found guilty
Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants were found guilty by a majority of Supreme Court justices of conspiring to remain in power after his 2022 defeat to Lula.
Their failed efforts culminated in the January 8, 2023 storming of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace by thousands of his supporters. More than 1,500 people were arrested that day, with some already serving long prison terms.
Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party has pushed for amnesty for those convicted, but many protesters chanted “prison for Bolsonaro,” framing their cause as a defense of Brazil’s democracy.
