Bolsonaro Supporters Rally Across Brazil Against Supreme Court and Lula

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took to the streets in multiple cities on Sunday, protesting against Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Demonstrators demanded “amnesty” for those accused of involvement in an alleged coup attempt that occurred shortly after Lula’s January 2023 inauguration.

Bolsonaro, who faces trial for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2022 election results, did not attend in person but addressed protesters in Rio de Janeiro via phone, facilitated by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The former president remains under house arrest, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, and is barred from leaving home on weekends and holidays by order of Justice Moraes.

In March, a five-judge STF panel unanimously agreed to try Bolsonaro, with proceedings expected later this year. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. Moraes recently imposed restrictions on Bolsonaro, alleging he and his son Eduardo—currently living in the U.S.—sought to collaborate with American authorities to influence Brazilian affairs.

Tensions escalated last week when the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods, calling the case against Bolsonaro a “witch hunt.” Washington also imposed financial sanctions on Moraes under the Magnitsky Act, citing alleged corruption and human rights abuses.

At Sunday’s rallies, many protesters wore Brazil’s iconic yellow national soccer jerseys, waved American flags, and held signs backing Trump. Chants of “Magnitsky” echoed as crowds criticized both Moraes and Lula, underscoring the growing political divide in Brazil amid the high-profile trial.