Tens of thousands of Brazilians joined protests in cities across the country on Sunday to protest against a bill which could result in ex-President Jair Bolsonaro being granted amnesty. Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup earlier this month and has been sentenced to 27 years in prison. He will remain under house arrest until his lawyers have exhausted all appeals. However, the ex-leader's allies in the Chamber of Deputies have fast-tracked a bill that could see Bolsonaro and his co-defendants spared jail.
The demonstrators expressed their anger at the lower house's passing of a constitutional amendment that would complicate legal action against lawmakers. Critics coined it the 'Banditry Bill,' though supporters claim it protects Congress from judicial overreach.
The proposal requires members of Congress to approve, via a secret ballot, any charges or arrests against lawmakers. The bill is expected to move to the Senate.
Sunday's protests, which gained momentum from trade unions, social groups, and leftist political parties, saw demonstrators chant 'no amnesty' while holding placards that read 'shameless Congress.' The event in Rio de Janeiro was highlighted by performances from renowned Brazilian artists.
Support from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was evident as he expressed solidarity with the demonstrators on social media, stating that he would veto the amnesty bill if it reaches the Senate. This display of unity reflects the deep divisions within Brazilian society regarding Bolsonaro's trial and the actions of his supporters, illustrating a tense political landscape.
The demonstrators expressed their anger at the lower house's passing of a constitutional amendment that would complicate legal action against lawmakers. Critics coined it the 'Banditry Bill,' though supporters claim it protects Congress from judicial overreach.
The proposal requires members of Congress to approve, via a secret ballot, any charges or arrests against lawmakers. The bill is expected to move to the Senate.
Sunday's protests, which gained momentum from trade unions, social groups, and leftist political parties, saw demonstrators chant 'no amnesty' while holding placards that read 'shameless Congress.' The event in Rio de Janeiro was highlighted by performances from renowned Brazilian artists.
Support from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was evident as he expressed solidarity with the demonstrators on social media, stating that he would veto the amnesty bill if it reaches the Senate. This display of unity reflects the deep divisions within Brazilian society regarding Bolsonaro's trial and the actions of his supporters, illustrating a tense political landscape.
