On March 16, 2025, Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters rallied at Copacabana Beach, advocating for an amnesty bill for those arrested in the January 2023 riots. Approximately 18,000 attended, falling short of the expected one million. Bolsonaro faces coup-related charges, which he denies, framing himself as a victim of political persecution. The rally precedes a critical Supreme Court decision regarding his trial.
On March 16, 2025, thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered on Copacabana Beach to express their allegiance amidst ongoing coup charges against him. The demonstration was organized to advocate for a proposed amnesty bill for individuals arrested for involvement in the January 8, 2023, riots, where government buildings in Brasilia were violently stormed. Reports indicated the attendance of approximately 18,000 attendees, though Bolsonaro’s supporters had aimed for a million.
Bolsonaro and several close allies participated in the rally, where demonstrators donned Brazil’s emblematic yellow-and-green soccer jerseys while chanting slogans such as “Amnesty, now!” This gathering underscored Copacabana’s role as a pivotal site for Bolsonaro’s political demonstrations. The backdrop of the protest followed formal charges from Brazil’s prosecutor-general alleging Bolsonaro’s plotting of a coup, including a claimed conspiracy to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
In the face of these accusations, Bolsonaro has consistently denied wrongdoing, asserting that he is a victim of political persecution. He has called for the case to be transferred to the full Supreme Court, which he previously influenced by appointing two justices. Should he be convicted, the prospect of significant prison time looms.
During the rally, Bolsonaro reiterated his claims of innocence: “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.” The gathering also emerged just days before a crucial Supreme Court decision regarding whether Bolsonaro and others will face trial on multiple counts related to January’s riot.
His son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, sought to inspire enthusiasm among the supporters, referencing over 400 individuals imprisoned for their connection to the January unrest. Political analysts noted that Bolsonaro’s aim with this demonstration is to frame the narrative in favor of himself and the imprisoned individuals, possibly to sway Congress toward granting amnesty should he be convicted. However, the relatively low turnout at the rally implies a waning political strength for Bolsonaro.
Experts suggest that the evidence against Bolsonaro is substantial enough to initiate a trial, emphasizing that the criteria for beginning legal proceedings differ from those required for a conviction. While some supporters expressed their commitment to the movement, doubts persist regarding the political viability of Bolsonaro’s appeal for amnesty and political rehabilitation.
In summary, the rally on Copacabana Beach highlighted the ongoing political turmoil surrounding former President Jair Bolsonaro as he faces serious charges of plotting a coup. Despite his attempts to rally support and portray himself and his allies as victims of political persecution, the turnout at the protest indicates a possible decline in his political influence. As proceedings move toward a key Supreme Court decision, the implications of these developments remain significant for Brazil’s political landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
