Brazil Independence Day protests demand Bolsonaro conviction, reject US tariffs: Video
Hundreds of people gathered in São Paulo on Sunday, demanding that former president Jair Bolsonaro be held accountable for his alleged role in an attempted 2022 coup, in a trial described as a "witch hunt" by United States President Donald Trump.
The demonstration, held in Republic Square, coincided with the 203rd anniversary of Brazil’s independence. Protesters carried Brazilian flags alongside banners of left-wing groups and displayed two large inflatable figures: one portraying Bolsonaro in prison clothing and another of US President Donald Trump with the words “Epstein List.”
Many placards called for justice over the riots of January 2023, which prosecutors allege were incited by Bolsonaro and senior allies.
“There was an attempted coup d’état, there was a threat to the democratic rule of law, and the accusations were proven,” said Marcio, a protester. “He even has a broad right of defence, and now we will reach the end of this trial with the conviction.”
The mobilisation also voiced support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government, which is challenging recent tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian products imposed by the Trump administration. The measures affect exports including coffee, meat, eggs, sugar, honey, tropical fruits and timber.
“We will not accept any kind of attack from US imperialism on our sovereignty and the wealth produced by our class,” said Juliana, one of the demonstrators.
She also called for accountability beyond the attempted coup. “We need to hold Bolsonaro and his entire troop from the armed forces accountable, not only for the attacks of January 8 and threats to democratic freedoms, but also for the genocide promoted during the pandemic and for so many other crimes that have been ignored.”
Alcides, another protester, said the act was not only against Bolsonaro but also against foreign interference.
“We are in the streets protesting against the intervention of the Trump administration in our country. This act is in defence of democracy and sovereignty. Wearing yellow and green is about defending sovereignty and democracy, so once again the Brazilian people shout loudly: ‘Long live democracy, long live sovereignty!’”
While left-wing groups demonstrated in São Paulo, right-wing supporters also staged rallies in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, calling for amnesty and expressing support for Bolsonaro.
The Lula government has filed a consultation with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to challenge the US tariffs, arguing that the measures are politically motivated and linked to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
