Brazilians Protest Nationwide Against Bolsonaro Amnesty Amid Political Turmoil

Tens of thousands of Brazilians protested nationwide against a constitutional amendment that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, who were convicted for attempting a coup following the 2022 election. The amendment, passed by the lower house and now awaiting Senate approval, would make it more difficult to arrest or prosecute lawmakers, raising concerns about accountability. Bolsonaro, sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to retain power illegally, denies any wrongdoing and is the first former Brazilian president convicted of attempting to overturn an election. The protests, spanning all 26 states and the Federal District, were prominently supported and organized by renowned Brazilian artists such as Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, Anitta, and actor Wagner Moura, emphasizing the defense of democracy. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the bill, labeling it the "Bandit's Bill," and criticized efforts to reduce Bolsonaro's sentence as a political maneuver to "pacify" the country amid its deep divisions. Despite significant protests and public debate, polls indicate Brazil remains polarized, with a majority supporting Bolsonaro's conviction but a substantial portion still backing him.