Thousands of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rallied across the country on Sunday. The protests come just days before the Supreme Court is expected to issue its verdict in his coup plot trial.
Rallies were held in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo. Supporters waved Brazilian flags and some U.S. flags, signaling support from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has called the trial a “witch hunt” and imposed tariffs and sanctions linked to Bolsonaro’s case.
Bolsonaro, 70, is under house arrest and faces charges for allegedly trying to cling to power after losing the 2022 election to leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. If convicted, he could face several years in prison. Bolsonaro denies all wrongdoing.
At Copacabana Beach in Rio, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president’s eldest son, told supporters that his father would confront the trial head-on. “He will not give up on Brazil,” Flavio said.
In Brasilia, 80-year-old supporter Delorges Pavoni wore a shirt saying, “In 2026, I would only vote for Bolsonaro.” Critics also gathered in the capital, calling for Bolsonaro’s conviction. “I want to see Bolsonaro in jail,” said 59-year-old Laura Lima.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Congress are considering a broad amnesty for people involved in the alleged coup plot. Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas supports the plan, saying it could help “pacify the country.” Some see this as a move to position Bolsonaro for a potential 2026 run.
The trial recalls the January 8, 2023 attack on Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace by Bolsonaro supporters. While barred from running for office until 2030, Bolsonaro has expressed interest in returning to politics in 2026.
