Legislative moves to absolve Bolsonaro trigger mass protests in Brazil: Video
On Sunday, September 21, in Brazil, tens of thousands gathered in São Paulo to protest two legislative proposals that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro, recently sentenced to 27 years for his role in the 2023 coup attempt, and extend immunity to lawmakers.
Demonstrators opposed what they described as an attack on Brazil’s Constitution and a move to shield politicians from accountability. The protests occurred as lawmakers advanced an urgent debate on the amnesty measure, intensifying political tensions in Latin America’s largest democracy.
“We are here precisely to protest. This approval of this bill cannot happen. This is an attack on the Constitution. They are not better than us. And we, as the Brazilian people, are outraged by a ‘shielding’ amendment proposal that exempts them from any crime and even gives them a power that no other constitution has. This is an attack on our Constitution. This is an attack on the Brazilian people,” said De la Vega, a protester.
Another demonstrator, Tchaka, added, “Today we show the world that yes, we are plural and diverse, but we shake the world so that it can also see us as active and as political and show that the National Congress does not fully represent us. We want criminals to go to jail. Against the ‘Shielding’ amendment proposal, against amnesty. No amnesty for coup plotters.”
Reports confirmed that confrontations broke out between protesters and Bolsonaro supporters during the march.
Last week. Brazil’s lower house approved an urgent procedure to discuss an amnesty bill for those involved in the January 2023 riots, when government buildings were stormed.
Lawmakers have considered extending the measure to cover Bolsonaro himself, following his 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup.
The Chamber of Deputies voted 311 in favour, 163 against, and 7 abstentions, allowing the bill to bypass committee review. The decision came hours after Bolsonaro’s doctors announced he had been diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer.
More than 600 people have already been sentenced for their involvement in the January 8 riots.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
