Pro-Bolsonaro protests erupt in Brazil after U.S. sanctions spark political storm
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Sunday in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília in support of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The demonstrations came days after the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and after the announcement of a new 50% tariff on Brazilian exports by Donald Trump.
The sanctions target the judge presiding over Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2022 election results. Bolsonaro, who lost to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is accused of plotting a coup and currently faces significant restrictions, including wearing an electronic ankle monitor and staying off social media.
Although Bolsonaro was absent from the protests, he was seen in a video watching coverage from home. Supporters rallied around his cause, waving Brazilian and U.S. flags, and holding placards thanking Trump for his intervention. “He can't speak, but we will speak for him,” declared Congressman Marco Feliciano from São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, praised the U.S. for labeling Judge Moraes a human rights violator. The U.S. move, which Trump framed as a response to a "witch hunt," was met with divided opinions. Some protesters welcomed the tariffs, seeing them as necessary pressure to push Brazilian lawmakers toward granting Bolsonaro amnesty.
President Lula responded firmly, emphasizing Brazil’s willingness to negotiate but warning against bullying. “We want respect,” he said during a party event in Brasília.
Despite potential economic impacts, many demonstrators appeared unconcerned. “Better tariffs than becoming like Venezuela,” said teacher Maristela dos Santos. Others, like entrepreneur Paulo Roberto, argued that “sometimes we must step back to gain freedom.”
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