Bolsonaro Rally in Sao Paulo Draws Support Amid Trial and Amnesty Push

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro rallied in Sao Paulo on Sunday, backing him just weeks after Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled he will face trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2022 election results. The demonstration, held on Paulista Avenue, followed a smaller rally in Rio de Janeiro last month.

Bolsonaro, who lost the 2022 election to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, called for the gathering to demand amnesty for those convicted in the January 8, 2023, attacks on Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace. These events occurred shortly after Lula’s inauguration and have been described by authorities as part of an attempted coup.

Brazil’s federal police linked the violence to Bolsonaro’s supporters, and a bill proposing a pardon for the rioters is currently in Congress. Bolsonaro claims the bill has enough votes to pass the lower house.

The former far-right leader is already banned from running for office until 2030, a decision made by Brazil’s top electoral court due to his repeated attempts to undermine the credibility of the country’s voting system.

If convicted in the upcoming trial, expected later this year, Bolsonaro could face a lengthy prison sentence. Despite his legal troubles, he continues to enjoy support from a segment of the population that views him as a political martyr.

Local authorities have not yet released the official turnout for Sunday’s rally. However, Bolsonaro’s call for mass mobilization underscores his ongoing influence and the deep political divide in Brazil as the country confronts the aftermath of its turbulent 2022 election.