Brasilia: Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets across the country on Sunday to protest legislative efforts aimed at granting legal immunity to former President Jair Bolsonaro and several federal lawmakers. The nationwide demonstrations are being described as the largest leftist-led mobilization in recent years, reflecting growing concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions in Brazil.
In São Paulo, around 40,000 people gathered on Avenida Paulista, carrying banners demanding accountability and the defense of democracy. Similar rallies were held in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, with protesters denouncing the proposed constitutional amendment PEC 3/2021, popularly known as the “Shield PEC.” The amendment, recently approved by the lower house of Congress, would make it harder to arrest or prosecute lawmakers, a move critics say is intended to protect Bolsonaro and his allies from legal consequences.
Public outrage has been further fueled by a fast-tracked amnesty bill currently under consideration in Congress. The bill seeks to pardon individuals involved in political demonstrations since October 30, 2022, potentially including those connected to the January 8, 2023, riots. Many fear that, if passed, the legislation could absolve Bolsonaro and his supporters of responsibility for attempts to overturn the results of the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest in Brasília, was recently sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. Despite this conviction, his allies in Congress are pursuing measures, including the amnesty bill and potential presidential pardons, that could facilitate his release. Discussions are also underway about possible changes to the Supreme Court, including retirements and impeachments, which could shift the judicial balance in favor of Bolsonaro.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed support for the protests, commending citizens for their engagement and urging Congress to focus on policies benefiting the public. Analysts say the demonstrations reflect a nation deeply divided over its political future, with many seeing the proposed legal protections for Bolsonaro and lawmakers as a direct threat to Brazil’s democracy.
As political tensions rise, Brazil faces a critical juncture that could determine whether its democratic institutions are strengthened or undermined by growing efforts to shield former leaders and lawmakers from accountability.