On February 25, Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, announced a massive protest in São Paulo, escalating his legal battle. The 68-year-old is suspected of plotting a coup to seize power following his defeat in the 2022 elections, and as a result, the police have confiscated his passport.
Mass Protest in Defence of Democratic Rule
Bolsonaro, a former Army officer and far-right leader, extended an invitation to his supporters to take part in a "peaceful rally in defence of the democratic rule of law." The organisers of the event in Sao Paulo are targeting a minimum of 500,000 attendees. Concerns regarding Bolsonaro's and his inner circle's plans to hold onto power following President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's election defeat have prompted the taking of this action.
- Dia 25, às 15h, na Paulista.
- Deus, Pátria, Família e Liberdade. pic.twitter.com/nAkfzEBmIA— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) February 23, 2024
Legal Scrutiny and Denials
Bolsonaro, who is facing legal challenges, has denied the allegations and has declined to comment when questioned recently. "No one attempted a coup in Brazil," he said in a radio interview. The great truth is that. Investigations reveal that Bolsonaro used anti-democratic strategies, including tampering with Brazil's electronic voting system and preparing to defend military intervention in the event of his defeat.
Alleged anti-democratic actions
Police allege Bolsonaro's involvement in editing a draft presidential decree to declare a state of emergency, call new elections, and order the arrest of a Supreme Court justice. A released video from a July 2022 meeting depicts Bolsonaro instructing Cabinet Ministers to help discredit the election system.
pic.twitter.com/4xZU6qYPJC— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) February 25, 2024
Protest as a Test of Support
The protest on February 25 is considered a crucial test of Bolsonaro's support ahead of the October municipal elections. Despite being barred from running until 2030 over attacks on the election system, Bolsonaro remains a prominent opposition figure adored by fervent supporters. The outcome of the protest will likely impact his influence in the still-polarised nation.
Wide-ranging legal challenges
Apart from the coup allegations, Bolsonaro faces several investigations, including the falsification of COVID-19 vaccination certificates and the alleged misappropriation of gifts. Despite legal challenges, he remains a significant political force, and the protest serves as a barometer of his ongoing influence in Brazilian politics.
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