Nationwide Protests Erupt in Brazil Against Potential Pardon for Jair Bolsonaro
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, a wave of protests swept across Brazil, with demonstrators gathering in all 26 states and the Federal District to voice their opposition to a potential pardon for former President Jair Bolsonaro and his associates. This backlash comes in the wake of recent legislative actions that many view as attempts to shield lawmakers from accountability, particularly in light of Bolsonaro’s conviction for his role in a coup attempt earlier this year.
Legislative Context and Growing Tensions
The protests were ignited after Brazil’s lower house of Congress passed a constitutional amendment aimed at making it more difficult to arrest or initiate criminal proceedings against lawmakers. This controversial measure is now set to be reviewed by the Senate. Following this, the lower house also voted to expedite a bill that could grant amnesty to Bolsonaro, his closest allies, and hundreds of supporters convicted for their involvement in the January 2023 uprising, which sought to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the nature of the coup plot, which included alarming plans to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison on September 11, marking a historic moment as he became the first former president in Latin America to be convicted for attempting to overturn an election. Despite the evidence against him, Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
A Cultural Response
The protests saw participation from some of Brazil’s most renowned artists, who played a pivotal role in mobilizing public sentiment against the proposed amnesty. Music legends such as Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil, who famously resisted censorship during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1960s, gathered in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana neighborhood to express their outrage. Veloso articulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “I was outraged by the news that many deputies voted in favor of a shielding law for themselves and their colleagues.”
Pop superstar Anitta also took to social media to denounce the amnesty proposal, emphasizing the importance of public accountability in politics. “The people are the ones who shape the country’s politics. We have the right and the duty to hold politicians accountable,” she declared in a video shared on Instagram.
Voices from the Ground
The protests were not limited to celebrities; everyday citizens also took to the streets to express their discontent. Dulce Oliveira, a 53-year-old teacher attending the demonstration in Brasília, echoed the sentiments of many, stating, “This protest is important because the people need to show them what we want, because they are there to represent our needs, not their own.”
In Salvador, actor Wagner Moura addressed the crowd from atop a truck, emphasizing the significance of the moment for Brazilian democracy. “This extraordinary moment serves as an example to the entire world,” he proclaimed, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in shaping the nation’s future.
A Divided Nation
Despite the fervor of the protests, Brazil remains a deeply divided nation. Polls indicate that while a majority of the population supports Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment, a significant portion still backs him. A recent Datafolha poll revealed that 50% of respondents believe Bolsonaro should be jailed, while 43% disagreed, and 7% declined to answer. This division reflects the broader political landscape in Brazil, where loyalties to Bolsonaro remain strong among his supporters.
The protests organized by artists and left-wing groups stand in stark contrast to the large rallies held by Bolsonaro’s supporters, particularly one on September 7, which drew thousands in defense of the former president ahead of his Supreme Court trial. This disparity in mobilization highlights the ongoing struggle for political influence in Brazil, as leftist groups work to galvanize public support against a backdrop of right-wing resurgence.
Historical Echoes
The current political climate in Brazil is reminiscent of the tumultuous periods in the country’s history, particularly during the military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. The resistance against authoritarianism during that era has left a lasting legacy, with many artists and activists continuing to draw on that history to inspire contemporary movements. The protests against Bolsonaro’s potential pardon can be seen as a continuation of this struggle for democracy and accountability.
Conclusion
As Brazil grapples with its political future, the protests against a potential pardon for Jair Bolsonaro serve as a critical reminder of the importance of civic engagement and accountability in governance. The voices of artists, activists, and everyday citizens reflect a collective desire for justice and a commitment to democratic principles. With the Senate set to review the controversial amendment and amnesty bill, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of Brazil’s political landscape. The outcome will not only impact Bolsonaro and his allies but will also resonate throughout the nation, shaping the future of Brazilian democracy.
