Thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro gathered at the famous Copacabana Beach on Sunday to protest the charges he faces for an alleged coup attempt. Bolsonaro and his close allies participated in the protest, which also demanded amnesty for those imprisoned for their roles in the January 8, 2023 riot in the capital Brasilia. The controversial leader’s supporters stormed government buildings, demanding the military oust the incoming President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 election. A swarm of people wearing Brazil’s yellow-and-green national soccer jersey chanted and held placards reading “Amnesty, now!” Although they had hoped for one million attendees, only 18,000 people showed up, significantly short of the expected number. The protest comes before the Supreme Court’s decision on whether Bolsonaro and his allies will stand trial for their alleged involvement in the attempted coup. If found guilty, the former president could face a sentence of over 40 years behind bars.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/brazil-bolsonaro-and-supporters-rally-against-coup-charges/a-71938936?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf