Bolsonaro Rallies Supporters Amid Coup Charges and Election Ban
Jair Bolsonaro addresses thousands of supporters in Rio de Janeiro, claiming his election ban is a “denial of democracy.” Despite accusations of attempting a coup to overthrow Lula da Silva and being barred from office until 2030, Bolsonaro seeks to solidify his political position ahead of the 2026 elections. The rally aims to express loyalty and garner support amidst his legal challenges, highlighted by the upcoming Supreme Court hearing.
Thousands of supporters rallied for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro amid his ongoing legal troubles. Bolsonaro, who is accused of supporting an attempted coup against his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, addressed the crowd, characterizing his election ban as a “denial of democracy.” Despite being barred from holding office until 2030, Bolsonaro remains determined to position himself as a contender in the upcoming elections.
The rally attracted substantial attention, with supporters emphasizing their resolve against the accusations directed at Bolsonaro. A crowd estimated at 18,000, as per research from the University of Sao Paulo, gathered to express their loyalty to the leader, who has drawn parallels with U.S. President Donald Trump. Attendees voiced their grievances regarding perceived government injustices, believing that efforts to imprison Bolsonaro aim to hinder his political aspirations.
Bolsonaro’s supporters included various individuals, such as Patricia Santos and Jose de Souza Vitorino, expressing their commitment to his cause. This protest sought to secure amnesty for those convicted during the January 8, 2023 rioting in Brasilia, when Bolsonaro loyalists invaded key government sites in a bid to overturn the election results favoring Lula.
Critics are closely monitoring the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro, particularly a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for March 25, which will assess evidence related to the coup allegations. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison. However, he continues to claim victimization by politically motivated judicial actions, emphasizing his intention to run in the next electoral cycle despite current restrictions.
In summary, Jair Bolsonaro’s rally in Rio de Janeiro demonstrated significant public support despite his ongoing legal challenges and a ban from holding office until 2030. As tensions rise regarding his potential candidacy in the 2026 elections, the rally addressed broader issues of political persecution and the need for amnesty for those involved in the January riots. As the Supreme Court’s decision approaches, Bolsonaro’s future, akin to that of Trump, remains uncertain yet charged with high stakes.
Original Source: www.france24.com
