Jair Bolsonaro faced a rally of thousands in Rio de Janeiro, asserting that his ban from re-election is a “denial of democracy.” Bolstered by supporters, he claims political persecution as he navigates multiple legal challenges. The upcoming Supreme Court deliberations on his potential trial will be pivotal for Bolsonaro’s political future.
Thousands of supporters rallied for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro as he faces accusations related to an attempted coup. During the event, Bolsonaro declared a ban on him running for re-election in 2024 as a “denial of democracy,” amidst increasing tensions regarding the charges against him and his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, addressed the crowd, emphasizing his desire to remain a political contender despite being banned from holding elected office until 2030. He stated, “Elections without Bolsonaro are a denial of democracy in Brazil,” signaling his intention to challenge this ban.
The former president is often compared to U.S. President Donald Trump, as both are viewed as politically controversial figures attempting to stage comebacks. Bolsonaro’s supporters, like Patricia Santos, expressed their belief that attempts to imprison him are cowardly and unjust. Others, including former military officer Jose de Souza Vitorino, conveyed hopes of creating a better future for their children, underscoring the rally’s significance.
While Bolsonaro called for a gathering of one million supporters, the University of Sao Paulo estimated the crowd at around 18,000. The protest aimed to demand amnesty for individuals convicted during the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia, which saw Bolsonaro’s supporters storming key governmental buildings while attempting to disrupt Lula’s inauguration.
Legal proceedings loom for Bolsonaro, with Brazil’s Supreme Court set to discuss the evidence for his trial on March 25. If found guilty, he faces a prison sentence exceeding 40 years. Similar to Trump, Bolsonaro claims that the legal actions against him are politically motivated. The rally served as an opportunity for Bolsonaro to showcase his intentions for future candidacy and resilience in Brazilian politics.
Analysts note that the rally’s primary goal was to relay a message of defiance toward political adversaries, particularly as concerns about President Lula’s health and declining popularity due to inflation persist amid political shifts.
The rally for Jair Bolsonaro highlights the ongoing political tensions in Brazil as he faces coup-related charges. Demonstrating significant public support, Bolsonaro asserts his commitment to remain a political figure despite legal setbacks. As the Supreme Court prepares to review his case, these events underscore the divided political landscape in Brazil and the proactive measures taken by Bolsonaro to solidify his position for potential future elections.
Original Source: www.france24.com
