Demonstrators express outrage over legislation that could provide amnesty to Bolsonaro following a president-27yr-sentence/” title=”Trump Erupts in Fury After Former Brazilian … Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison”>coup attempt and extend immunity to legislators.
Published On 21 Sep 2025
Mass protests have erupted across Brazil as citizens voice their opposition to recent legislative efforts by the National Congress aimed at expanding parliamentary immunity and potentially granting amnesty to former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to over 27 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted military coup, remains a polarizing figure.
In more than a dozen cities, demonstrators accused the conservative-dominated Congress of prioritizing self-preservation over pressing social and economic challenges. In a symbolic act of resistance, renowned musicians such as Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil-artists who famously resisted censorship during Brazil’s 1960s military regime-came together for a protest concert in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana district.
Aline Borges, a 34-year-old environmental activist who joined the rally in Brasilia, voiced her discontent with the political elite. “This Congress is composed of corrupt individuals masquerading as public servants, pushing legislation that shields themselves from accountability,” she told AFP.
The protests intensified following the lower house’s approval of a constitutional amendment designed to make it more difficult to prosecute or detain lawmakers. Known as the “Shielding Bill,” this measure requires a secret ballot among legislators to authorize any criminal charges or arrests against their peers.
Shortly after, the same chamber expedited a controversial bill championed by right-wing opposition members, derisively labeled the “Bandit’s Bill” by critics. This legislation could offer amnesty to Bolsonaro, his closest confidants, and hundreds of supporters convicted for their participation in the January 2023 insurrection.
Despite these advances in the lower house, both proposals face significant resistance in the Senate. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly declared his intention to veto the amnesty legislation.
Prior to Bolsonaro’s Supreme Court trial on September 11, thousands of his supporters gathered to defend him. Bolsonaro, who denies all allegations, is the first political leader in Latin America’s largest economy to be convicted of attempting to subvert an election.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. A recent Datafolha survey of 2,005 participants revealed that half believe Bolsonaro should be imprisoned, while 43% oppose incarceration, and 7% declined to comment.
Currently confined to house arrest, Bolsonaro faces a potential sentence of up to 40 years after being found guilty on five counts, including orchestrating a “criminal organization” aimed at overthrowing Lula. Investigations uncovered a detailed operational plan, dubbed “Green and Yellow Dagger,” which allegedly included a plot to assassinate the president.
Despite being barred from running in elections until 2030 by Brazil’s top electoral court for spreading false claims about the electronic voting system, Bolsonaro insists he will seek the presidency again in 2026.
