Protests Erupt Against President Lula in Brazil
On Sunday, thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered peacefully across 62 Brazilian cities in a demonstration against current President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
These rallies, which were described as peaceful, took place in various locations, attracting a crowd that expressed appreciation for support from Donald Trump. Many participants rallied in response to the ongoing “coup” trial involving Bolsonaro and raised concerns over human rights sanctions directed at De Moraes, who is often characterized by Trump as leading a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro.
During the protests, attendees called for Lula’s resignation and demanded pardons for those imprisoned after the protests on January 8, 2023. Video footage captured participants waving American flags alongside Brazilian ones, conveying messages of gratitude toward the U.S. and President Trump.
While the main event was hosted along Paulista Avenue in São Paulo, similar occurrences unfolded in 61 additional cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Belém, and Fortaleza. Estimates of attendance varied; one report indicated about 57,600 individuals joined in São Paulo, while another suggested a lower figure of nearly 37,600.
Bolsonaro himself couldn’t attend due to restrictions imposed by De Moraes, which included a curfew preventing him from leaving home on weekends. He was also mandated to wear an electronic ankle monitor and prohibited from using social media, facing potential arrest for non-compliance.
Although Bolsonaro stayed home, he was able to follow the events virtually. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, participated in a gathering in Belém, where she expressed hopes of rekindling Brazil’s spirit to reclaim freedom and employed calls against censorship.
These demonstrations coincided with recent human rights sanctions imposed by the U.S. against De Moraes, addressing claims of repression and censorship directed towards conservative voices in Brazil. The U.S. has accused De Moraes of infringing on basic freedoms of expression, notably through actions against social media platforms.
A self-identified “anti-fake news crusader,” De Moraes is currently leading the proceedings against Bolsonaro. The former president faces accusations linked to a purported attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 election, in which he lost to Lula, who is now serving a third term.
Trump’s administration has highlighted the “witch hunt” narrative against Bolsonaro as a key rationale behind imposing tariffs on Brazilian imports, alleging violations of human rights in the process. Reports have surfaced suggesting that sanctions against De Moraes caused a split within the STF, as some members resisted endorsing him amid pressures. This reflection of division adds another layer to an already complex political landscape in Brazil.
