The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, rejects claims that he tried to orchestrate a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gathered his supporters for a public rally in São Paulo on Sunday to demonstrate against his current trial at the Supreme Court.
"For liberty, for equity," stated the ex-president, whose term was from 2019 to 2022.
Bolsonaro is charged with reportedly plotting to disrupt the 2022 election In an alleged coup attempt that involved plans to kill political opponents such as Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva—who secured the presidential position—he refuted all accusations back in June. He also stated that he was being subjected to politically motivated harassment.
Should he be found guilty, he might have to serve up to 12 years behind bars.
Individually, Brazilian law enforcement officials have requested that Bolsonaro face charges related to unlawful surveillance activities carried out during his tenure.
Bolsonaro banned from holding office until 2030
Calls from Bolsonaro for protests amid his ongoing legal challenges have witnessed decreasing participation recently. Nevertheless, thousands of individuals gathered to listen to the 70-year-old ex-leader address them on Sunday.
"Come back, Bolsonaro!" demonstrators shouted, despite the ex-president being ineligible to run for office again until 2030 due to abuse of authority and disseminating misinformation about Brazil’s electoral process.
Bolsonaro has consistently maintained that he will participate in the upcoming presidential election next year, regardless of the electoral court's ruling.
A definitive decision in Bolsonaro's Supreme Court case is anticipated by the end of this year.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic
Author: Louis Oelofse (with AFP, AP)