Thousands of Jair Bolsonaro supporters demonstrated on Copacabana Beach, calling for amnesty for jailed individuals connected to the January 8 riots. Bolsonaro faces coup charges after refusing to concede the 2022 election. Despite a turnout below expectations, he maintained his claims of political persecution and sought to strengthen his political position ahead of Supreme Court proceedings.
On Sunday, thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on Copacabana Beach to demonstrate their allegiance amid coup charges he faces. The crowd, estimated at around 18,000 by a monitoring project from the University of Sao Paulo, called for Congress to grant amnesty to those incarcerated for their involvement in the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasilia, where government buildings were attacked.
Participants showcased their support by donning Brazil’s yellow-and-green national soccer jerseys and waving placards proclaiming “Amnesty, now!” Local reports indicate that while Bolsonaro’s allies aimed to attract a million attendees, the turnout was significantly lower. Copacabana has frequently been a location for rallies organized by Bolsonaro as he endeavors to exhibit his political influence.
The rally comes after Brazil’s prosecutor-general formally charged Bolsonaro with plotting a coup for attempting to remain in office following his defeat in the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. It is alleged that part of this scheme involved a plot to poison Lula and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over several cases against Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, who departed for the United States shortly before his term ended and refused to concede, has denied all charges, claiming he is a victim of political persecution. His legal team is aiming to have his case moved to the full Supreme Court, where he appointed two justices. A conviction could carry a substantial prison sentence.
During the demonstration, Bolsonaro reiterated his denial of the accusations, stating, “Nobody buys that story… I’m going to be a problem for them, in prison or dead.” This rally occurred just days before a Supreme Court panel will convene to assess whether to proceed with charges against Bolsonaro and his associates.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro urged support for those perceived as political prisoners, referencing over 400 individuals convicted for the January 8 riots. Paulo Gonet, prosecutor-general, characterized the riots as a desperate attempt to cling to power. Additionally, political scientist Paulo Henrique Cassimiro noted that Bolsonaro’s portrayal of himself and the imprisoned individuals as innocent patriots may influence Congress in case of a conviction.
Thiago Bottino, a law professor, expressed skepticism regarding the dismissal of charges, citing sufficient evidence, including documents, witness testimony, and communications. Among attendees, Cassiane Sousa, a 25-year-old student, asserted that their presence demonstrated continued strength in Bolsonaro’s movement despite his ongoing legal issues, saying, “We’re here because we still have hope, otherwise we’d just stay home.”
The demonstration on Copacabana Beach underscored the continued backing for Jair Bolsonaro as he faces serious legal challenges stemming from coup charges. Despite a lower turnout than anticipated, supporters rallied to advocate for amnesty for those imprisoned for their involvement in the January riots. Analysts suggest that Bolsonaro’s efforts to position himself and his associates as victims could potentially influence congressional decisions regarding amnesty, but skepticism remains about the viability of the charges against him.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
