Thousands of Brazilians Protest Against Bill Granting Bolsonaro Amnesty
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Sunday, protesting against a bill that could grant former President Jair Bolsonaro amnesty for plotting a coup. The demonstrations came as Bolsonaro's allies in the Chamber of Deputies fast-tracked a bill that could see the ex-leader and his co-defendants spared jail.
According to BBC World, protesters held up placards reading "shameless Congress" and "the people are sovereign," expressing their anger at the lower house's actions. The protests were widespread, with thousands gathering in cities across the country, including São Paulo, where tens of thousands gathered outside the city's art museum and hoisted a giant Brazilian flag over their heads.
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. The bill that could grant him amnesty is seen as an attempt by Bolsonaro's allies to help the ex-president escape jail, according to The Guardian.
The protests were a response to what many Brazilians see as an attack on democracy and the rule of law. "This is a shameless attempt by Congress to undermine the justice system," said one protester in São Paulo, according to The Guardian. "We will not stand idly by while our former president tries to escape accountability."
The bill has sparked widespread outrage among Brazilians, who are concerned that it could set a dangerous precedent and embolden other politicians to attempt similar coups. According to BBC World, the protests were peaceful but intense, with demonstrators calling for Congress to reject the bill.
As the debate over the bill continues, many experts are warning about the potential consequences of granting Bolsonaro amnesty. "If this bill passes, it will be a catastrophic blow to democracy in Brazil," said one analyst, according to The Guardian. "It will send a message that politicians can act with impunity and undermine the rule of law."
The current status of the bill is unclear, but it is expected to face opposition from many lawmakers who are concerned about its implications for democracy in Brazil. As the debate continues, thousands of Brazilians will remain vigilant, demanding that their leaders uphold the rule of law and protect democracy.
Background:
Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison earlier this month for plotting a coup after he lost the presidential election in 2022. The conviction was seen as a major blow to the far-right populist, who had been accused of attempting to cling to power illegally.
The bill that could grant Bolsonaro amnesty is seen as an attempt by his allies to help him escape jail and undermine the justice system. If passed, it would be a significant setback for democracy in Brazil and could embolden other politicians to attempt similar coups.
Relevant Quotes:
"This is a shameless attempt by Congress to undermine the justice system," said one protester in São Paulo. "We will not stand idly by while our former president tries to escape accountability."
"If this bill passes, it will be a catastrophic blow to democracy in Brazil," said one analyst. "It will send a message that politicians can act with impunity and undermine the rule of law."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and The Guardian.
