Tens of Thousands Protest in Brazil Against Amnesty Bill for Ex-President Bolsonaro

Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in a powerful show of opposition against a proposed law that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies. The nationwide demonstrations, which saw large crowds in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are a direct response to a legislative push to pardon those convicted for their roles in the January 8, 2023, attempted coup.

The Legislative Maneuvers

The protests were ignited by two controversial legislative proposals advancing in the Brazilian Congress:

1. The Amnesty Bill: This is the primary target of the protests. Fast-tracked by a conservative-majority lower house, the bill aims to grant a sweeping pardon to those convicted of participating in the January 8 coup attempt. This includes not only hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters but could also benefit the former president himself, who was recently sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by the Supreme Court for plotting the coup.

2. The "Shielding Bill" (PEC da Blindagem): This constitutional amendment, also passed by the lower house, would require a secret ballot in Congress to authorize any criminal charges or arrests against lawmakers. Critics argue that this would effectively grant politicians immunity from prosecution and shield them from accountability. Some deputies have publicly apologized for their "yes" votes, stating they were pressured to support the measure.

The legislative process in Brazil is bicameral. While the amnesty bill has gained "urgent status" in the Chamber of Deputies, it still faces a significant challenge in the Senate. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to veto the amnesty bill if it reaches his desk, but its proponents continue to push for its passage.

A Broad Coalition for Democracy

The protests, which were the largest left-wing mobilization in Brazil since Lula's election in 2022, drew a diverse cross-section of society. The demonstrations were not only organized by political parties and social movements but also saw the visible participation of prominent cultural icons, including legendary musicians Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil. Their presence transformed the rallies into a powerful defense of democratic values. These artists, who were at the forefront of the resistance against Brazil's military dictatorship, performed resistance songs, drawing a clear parallel between the current political climate and the nation's authoritarian past.

Protesters chanted "No amnesty!" and carried signs decrying a "Shameless Congress." In São Paulo, a massive Brazilian flag was unfurled with the slogan "No Amnesty," in a patriotic counter-statement to a previous pro-Bolsonaro rally where a large U.S. flag was displayed.

The Stakes and Public Opinion

For many Brazilians, the amnesty bill is a test of the rule of law. Granting a pardon to individuals who sought to violently overthrow a democratically elected government would, in their view, set a dangerous precedent and undermine the integrity of the judicial system. Protesters argued that this legislative maneuver is an affront to the country's democratic norms and a blatant attempt to protect political elites from facing the consequences of their actions.

Public opinion remains sharply divided on the issue. According to a recent Datafolha poll, approximately 50% of Brazilians believe Bolsonaro should serve his prison sentence, while a significant minority of 43% oppose harsh measures. The protests highlight this deep polarization but also demonstrate that a substantial portion of the population is willing to take to the streets to demand accountability.

The international community is also watching closely. The initial January 8 coup attempt was widely condemned by world leaders, and many are now observing whether Brazil's democratic institutions can withstand this new legislative challenge. The outcome of the ongoing debate will have lasting implications for the future of Brazil’s political landscape.