Thousands of supporters rallied for former President Jair Bolsonaro in Copacabana, defending him against coup charges. The protest included calls for amnesty for those jailed for a January riot. Despite a turnout of about 18,000, Bolsonaro continues to refute the allegations amid preparations for a Supreme Court decision on his potential trial.
On Sunday, thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on Copacabana Beach to demonstrate their loyalty as he faces coup-related charges. Among the attendees were Bolsonaro and some of his close allies, who advocated for amnesty for individuals jailed due to their involvement in the January 8, 2023 riot that resulted in damages to government buildings in Brasilia. Local reports indicate that approximately 18,000 individuals participated, despite Bolsonaro’s allies aiming for a turnout of 1 million.
Historically, Copacabana Beach has served as a venue for rallies aimed at showcasing Bolsonaro’s political might. Recently, Brazil’s prosecutor-general brought formal charges against Bolsonaro after he lost the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The allegations include attempts to poison President Lula and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presides over several ongoing legal matters related to Bolsonaro.
Boasting innocence, Bolsonaro claims to be a victim of political persecution as he and his legal team aim to transfer the case to the Supreme Court. Should he be found guilty, he could face a substantial prison sentence lasting decades. At the protest, Bolsonaro reiterated his denial of the accusations, asserting, “Nobody buys that story. The only reason this coup story wasn’t perfect for them was because I was in the United States. If I’d been here, I’d still be in prison, or maybe killed by them. I’m going to be a problem for them, in prison or dead.”
This demonstration occurred just days prior to a Supreme Court panel scheduled to assess whether to bring Bolsonaro and certain allies to trial on five separate counts. Prior to the event, his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, called for unity among supporters, stating, “The hundreds of political prisoners and persecuted people need all of us more than ever.”
This statement pertains to over 400 individuals who were convicted for their actions during the January 8 riot, a violent demonstration by Bolsonaro’s loyalists to resist Lula’s assumption of power. In the indictment against Bolsonaro and over thirty others, Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet described the riot as a final grasp for power. Experts suggest that Bolsonaro is attempting to frame both himself and his supporters as innocent victims in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the charges.
Political analysts note that Bolsonaro’s diminished turnout at the rally reflects a decline in his influence. Legal experts, however, assert the likelihood that charges against him will be accepted by the court due to substantial evidence. A 25-year-old participant, Cassiane Sousa, expressed her hope in attending the protest, stating, “We’re here because we still have hope, otherwise we’d just stay home.”
The demonstration on Copacabana Beach underscored the ongoing support for Jair Bolsonaro amidst serious coup charges that could result in lengthy imprisonment. While the turnout was lower than expected, Bolsonaro’s narrative of political persecution continues to resonate with his core supporters. The imminent Supreme Court decision will be pivotal for Bolsonaro and his political future, subjecting him to legal scrutiny amid calls for amnesty from his supporters.
Original Source: www.wral.com
