Demonstrations in Rio, Sao Paulo and Salvador led by cultural icons reject fast-tracked proposal in Congress.

On Sunday, Brazilians protested in several cities against a proposed amnesty bill advancing in Congress that could benefit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

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Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Salvador were among the capitals that organized demonstrations against Parliament, led by major figures in Brazilian music and culture.

Under the slogan “Congress, Enemy of the People,” the wave of protests was called by various social and political movements after the Lower Chamber approved an urgent debate on the amnesty bill. The fast-track designation means the measure will go directly to a floor vote without first passing through committees.

The bill initially aimed to cover only those who took part in the January 8, 2023, riots, when thousands of Bolsonaro’s far-right supporters stormed the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court to try to block the inauguration of President Lula da Silva.

However, far-right politicians and Bolsonaro allies are pushing to extend the amnesty to others convicted of coup-related crimes, including the former president himself, sparking outrage among parts of Brazilian society.

“No Amnesty, And With Democracy”

The Rio demonstration was called by Caetano Veloso and other major musicians such as Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and Djavan, who played for more than two hours, revisiting some of their best-known songs.

Wearing a yellow shirt, Veloso was the first to appear on a “trio elétrico”, the trucks outfitted with platforms and powerful sound systems.

“No amnesty, and with democracy: that’s a beautiful Brazil,” he said with a smile at Copacabana Beach, which weeks earlier had been filled with thousands of Bolsonaro supporters demanding amnesty.

Not Even The Rain Could Disperse The Protest

By midday in Sao Paulo, demonstrators began filling the area outside the Sao Paulo Museum of Art, an icon of Paulista Avenue.

They unfurled a giant Brazilian flag for nearly the entire protest, as a counter to the American flag displayed at a pro-Bolsonaro rally on Sept. 7, Brazil’s Independence Day.

They only rolled it up during heavy rain, but most attendees stood firm, waiting for the main program featuring urban music artists and political speeches.

Wagner Moura Hails Democracy

In Salvador, which becomes the capital of Carnival during the summer, thousands gathered early in anticipation of a concert by Daniela Mercury, announced as part of the event.

But Mercury, one of Brazil’s most prominent singers, surprised the crowd by appearing with actor Wagner Moura.

“I want to speak about the extraordinary moment Brazilian democracy is going through, which is an example to the entire world,” said Moura, known for films such as “Civil War” (2024) and “Elysium” (2013).

Alongside Mercury, Moura sang “Deusa do Amor” (2000) by Brazilian artist Moreno Veloso, backed by a band and joined by the voices of protesters.

Other protests took place Sunday in cities including Recife, Brasilia and Belo Horizonte, and even abroad, where Brazilians living in Lisbon, London and Berlin held smaller rallies. Still, the amnesty bill — whose text remains under negotiation — must win majority approval in the Chamber of Deputies before moving to the Senate.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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