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Thousands Rally in Support of Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro
Public Demonstration Amid Legal Troubles
Thousands gathered on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to show support for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The demonstration comes as Bolsonaro faces charges related to an alleged plot to undermine the government following his 2022 election loss.
Legal Charges and Supreme Court Hearing
Bolsonaro and several allies are accused of organizing a criminal group to break Brazil’s democratic order. The charges, filed by Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet, include allegations of a plan to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A five-judge panel at Brazil’s Supreme Court will decide on March 25 whether to proceed with a trial. If the case moves forward, Bolsonaro and his associates will become defendants.
Bolsonaro and his representatives deny any wrongdoing. His defense attorneys released a statement asserting that he “never condoned any movement aimed at dismantling the democratic rule of law or the institutions that support it.”
Supporters Call for Amnesty
Many Bolsonaro supporters believe the charges are politically motivated. Alessandra Mello, a demonstrator at the rally, expressed concern over restrictions on freedom of expression. “Brazil has lost the right to freedom of expression and to demonstrate. There must be amnesty for these people who do not commit crimes,” she said.
Push for Pardon of January 8 Rioters
During his speech at the rally, Bolsonaro referenced a proposed bill that would pardon individuals involved in the January 8 riots. He argued that many participants were unaware of their actions and called for their release.
“What democracy is that which arrests the innocent? Without freedom of expression, there is no democracy,” Bolsonaro stated. The speech was briefly interrupted when some attendees suffered from the heat.
Bolsonaro’s Political Strategy
Despite being barred from public office until 2030 by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, Bolsonaro has voiced his intention to run again in 2026. Political analysts suggest that his current strategy is to rally direct public support, as he faces a judiciary largely opposed to him.
Paulo Kramer, a political scientist who worked on Bolsonaro’s 2018 campaign, noted, “We believe the battle in the Supreme Court is essentially lost. Taking to the streets is a way to reassert his leadership.”
Impact of Public Demonstrations
While Bolsonaro’s rally showcased his enduring influence, analysts remain skeptical about its effect on judicial decisions. “Whenever a politician faces a legal issue, he orchestrates a public demonstration,” said Thiago de Aragão, CEO of consultancy Arko International. “No one underestimates Bolsonaro’s strength, but this march will not come as a surprise to the justices or anyone else.”
“Thousands Rally in Support of Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro” “Thousands Rally in Support of Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro” “Thousands Rally in Support of Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro” “Thousands Rally in Support of Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro”