Brazilians protest nationwide against proposed pardon for former president Bolsonaro

Thousands protested across Brazil on Sunday against a legislative push that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and allies convicted of attempting a coup.

21 sept 2025 - 22:29 • 3 min read

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in all 26 states and the Federal District on Sunday to protest a legislative effort that could lead to a pardon for former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, who have been convicted of attempting a coup. The demonstrations signify widespread opposition to proposed measures aimed at mitigating punishments for those involved in the January 2023 uprising.

The calls for protests surged after the lower house of Congress passed a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would make it more difficult to arrest or prosecute lawmakers. This measure now moves to the Senate.

The following day, the lower house also voted to fast-track a bill, supported by right-wing opposition lawmakers, that could potentially offer amnesty to Bolsonaro, his close associates, and hundreds of supporters convicted for their roles in the January 2023 events.

Bolsonaro was sentenced on September 11 to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to remain in power after losing the 2022 presidential election to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is the first former president in Brazil's history to be convicted of trying to overturn an election.

The coup plot, as detailed by officials, included plans to poison President Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court justice.

Prominent Brazilian artists and cultural figures played a significant role in organizing and promoting Sunday's demonstrations. Musicians Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil, who were active in resisting the military dictatorship in the 1960s, reunited in Rio de Janeiro to voice their opposition. Veloso expressed outrage at the legislative proposals, stating that the public does not want such measures to pass.

Superstar singer Anitta also criticized the proposals on Instagram, emphasizing the public's right and duty to hold politicians accountable. Demonstrators at rallies echoed this sentiment, with one attendee, a 53-year-old teacher, stating that the protests were crucial for the public to express their wishes to elected officials who are meant to represent them.

Actor Wagner Moura attended a protest in Salvador, Bahia, and spoke to the crowd about the importance of this "extraordinary moment in Brazilian democracy." He highlighted the contrast with democratic backsliding elsewhere.

Sunday's protests, organized by artists and left-wing groups, represent a significant mobilization effort. Polls indicate that Brazil remains a deeply divided nation regarding Bolsonaro, with a majority supporting his conviction, though a substantial portion of the population continues to back him.

Meanwhile, legislative efforts are underway in Congress to address the situation. While an outright amnesty for Bolsonaro is reportedly being sidelined, lawmakers are considering a bill that would reduce the sentences for those convicted of coup-related offenses. This approach, spearheaded by centrist factions, aims to potentially benefit Bolsonaro and hundreds of others convicted for their involvement in the 2023 events, without directly clashing with the Supreme Court's stance against impunity.

Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing. His legal team is expected to argue for him to serve his sentence under house arrest. The former president has also faced recent health issues, including a hospital stay for hip and vomiting problems, and a diagnosis of early-stage skin cancer.