Citizens across Brazil, spanning all 26 states and the federal district, took to the streets on Sunday to protest the potential amnesty for former President Jair Bolsonaro and his associates, who were convicted for their involvement in a coup attempt.
The demonstrations gained momentum after the lower house approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday. This amendment would hinder the arrest of lawmakers or the initiation of criminal proceedings against them. The bill is now slated for consideration in the Senate.
Focusing on the January 2023 coup attempt, the lower house expedited the passage of a bill backed by right-wing opposition members. This bill paves the way for amnesty for Bolsonaro, his key allies, and numerous supporters found guilty of their roles in the attempted coup. Following his defeat in the 2022 election, Bolsonaro received a sentence of 27 years and three months on September 11th for attempting to remain in power.
Numerous prominent artists played a role in organizing and publicizing Sunday’s protests. Renowned Brazilian musicians Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil—who experienced censorship during the military dictatorship of the 1960s—joined forces at a protest in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana area.
Veloso expressed his outrage on Saturday, stating, “I was very angered by the news that many lawmakers voted in favor of a security law for themselves and their associates. Along with this, a proposal to grant amnesty to those who plotted the coup was also put forward. I think I agree with the majority of the Brazilian population, who do not want this to happen.”
Superstar Anitta, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, also voiced her disapproval of the bill, asserting that the populace dictates the nation’s political direction. “We have the right and the duty to hold leaders accountable. After all, we vote, and they are elected to work for the good of the people.”
Dulce Oliveira, a teacher participating in the demonstrations, emphasized the necessity of the protests to convey the public’s desires to the leaders. “They are there to protect our interests, not their own.” Actor Wagner Moura participated in the protest in Salvador, Bahia. Addressing the crowd, he conveyed his unwillingness to engage in a discussion about the bill.