Masses of demonstrators rally in backing of Bolsonaro prior to the pronouncement of the coup trial judgement
Brazil marked Independence Day with a mix of protests and celebrations, as the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting a coup after losing his 2022 reelection bid, heads towards a verdict.
In Sao Paulo, crowds gathered to demand amnesty for Bolsonaro and his supporters, who are on trial over the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasilia. Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of the former president, and political allies addressed the crowds, urging them to stand firm in their support.
The trial in the Supreme Court resumes on Tuesday, with Bolsonaro facing five charges, including attempting to violently end the democratic rule of law and plotting a coup. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.
The judge who leads the trial is Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who played a key role in the conviction, with four of five judges, including Moraes, voting to convict Bolsonaro, while Justice Luiz Fux dissented and voted for acquittal.
The trial has sparked international attention, with President Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports as a response to the trial of Bolsonaro. Many protesters in Sao Paulo still hail President Trump as a saviour, believing he is standing with them in their fight for their former leader.
The protests in Sao Paulo featured chanting of Brazil's independence hymn and responses to Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas' accusation of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of tyranny with chants of "out with Moraes."
Protester Fatima Silva believes Jair Bolsonaro isn't receiving a fair trial, while Alexandre Brasil, another protester in Sao Paulo, believes that Trump's actions are helping the Brazilian people wake up.
Meanwhile, in Brasilia, Independence Day sent a different message with banners reading Sovereign Brazil. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended Brazil's independence in his address on Independence Day, stating that Brazil is nobody's colony and would not accept orders from anyone.
As the trial continues, the verdict expected this week will mark a historic moment for Brazil's young democracy, as the nation waits with bated breath for the outcome of the trial of its former president.
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