On Sunday, thousands of supporters gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach to demonstrate solidarity with former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently facing serious legal challenges.
Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022, is accused of orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government following his electoral defeat. The charges, which include allegations of attempting to poison his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are set to be reviewed by Brazil’s Supreme Court on March 25.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Bolsonaro addressed the rally, declaring, “Elections without Bolsonaro would be denying democracy in Brazil.” He further criticized the charges against him, labeling them as politically motivated.
The demonstration also called for amnesty for individuals convicted in connection with the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília, where Bolsonaro supporters stormed government institutions.
While organizers anticipated a turnout of one million, estimates suggest that approximately 18,000 people participated.
Political analysts view the rally as part of Bolsonaro’s strategy to maintain political relevance and appeal directly to his base, especially given his current ineligibility for public office until 2030.
Nicknamed the “Trump of the Tropics,” Bolsonaro claims to be a victim of political persecution.
Both men survived assassination attempts during the election campaign. On the stage in Copacabana, a poster showed the now-iconic image of a defiant Trump with his fist raised after a bullet pierced his ear during a rally last year in Philadelphia.
On March 25, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court will consider whether there is enough evidence to put Bolsonaro on trial. If convicted, he faces the risk of a prison sentence of over 40 years.
Sources: Reuters and AP