Ex-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro asserted that he has been a target of political persecution since his departure from office a little over a year ago. Addressing a substantial crowd of supporters in São Paulo, he categorically dismissed coup accusations against him as a “fabrication.” Furthermore, he advocated for amnesty for numerous supporters who had been convicted in connection with assaults on public buildings.
Meanwhile, law enforcement is actively probing whether Mr. Bolsonaro played a role in inciting a failed coup following his defeat in the 2022 election.
Speaking at a rally in Brazil’s largest city on Sunday, the 68-year-old former president refuted the allegations against him, dismissing them as politically driven. He urged the nation to leave the past behind and focus on moving Brazil forward.
During his address, he also touched upon the upcoming presidential elections in 2026. Notably, Mr. Bolsonaro remains ineligible to run for office for eight years due to charges of undermining the electoral system and baselessly asserting that the last election was fraudulent, despite the absence of evidence supporting such claims.
Jair Bolsonaro returned to Brazil from the US in March 2023, saying he had nothing to fear
Massive crowds adorned in the yellow and green hues of the Brazilian flag assembled to listen to Mr. Bolsonaro’s address. Conversations with attendees reveal a shared sentiment of demonstrating for freedom, particularly emphasizing freedom of speech.
Attendees expressed concerns about perceived threats to imprison Mr. Bolsonaro for expressing his opinions. Despite the former president’s request not to display posters making unproven claims about the last election or criticizing institutions such as the Supreme Court, some supporters at the rally reiterated these assertions.
Alexandre França, a 53-year-old commercial director, conveyed to the BBC that the rally served as a platform for people to express their aspirations for the country, stating, “we must articulate what we desire for our nation.”
“Today, everyone is apprehensive about potential repression. Thus, our presence here is a manifestation to assert ourselves. We advocate for an inclusive Brazil, where freedom is a right for all,” he emphasized.
Rogério Morgado, a 55-year-old military official and participant in the rally, shared his perspective with the BBC, stating, “Brazilian politicians fear the public’s presence on the streets; it’s the singular fear that resonates with them.”
Authorities are closely monitoring Mr. Bolsonaro’s speech for any content that might be construed as incitement to riot or undermining the electoral system. In a recent development, the former president had to surrender his passport as he faces investigation regarding allegations of attempting to overturn the October 2022 election results and pressuring military leaders to participate in a coup attempt.
Following his defeat to left-winger Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, including the presidential palace, the Supreme Court, and Congress. This resulted in widespread looting and vandalism of these establishments.
Following recent events, three of Mr. Bolsonaro’s associates have been apprehended, along with the detention of the head of his political party. Police have charged them with disseminating skepticism regarding the electoral system, a sentiment that resonated strongly with Bolsonaro’s supporters.
Law enforcement argues that this narrative set the groundwork for a potential coup. However, failing to garner the support of the armed forces, Bolsonaro’s frustrated supporters resorted to storming Congress, the Supreme Court building, and the presidential palace on January 8th of the previous year.
During the assault on Congress, Mr. Bolsonaro was in the United States. He returned to Brazil in March 2023, asserting that he had no cause for concern. Despite the tumultuous circumstances, he remains the primary figurehead for the right-wing faction in Brazilian politics.
