Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro shows his popularity in mass march against judicial charges of ‘coup’

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro lead a demonstration this Sunday fend off coup suspicions against him and, in the process, test his strength as opposition leader against leftist leader Lula.

The far right has gathered its followers on the emblematic Avenida Paulista in San Pablo. His supporters hope to gather at least 500,000 people.

To be “a peaceful demonstration in defense of the democratic rule of law”Bolsonaro claims in several videos published on social networks to mobilize his followers.

The former president said he intends to defend himself against “all charges” against him, including suspicions of having participated in a coup plan to stay in power, following his electoral defeat against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October 2022.

On February 8, the police launched Operation Tempus Veritatis (the moment of truth, in Latin), against Bolsonaro and many of his closest allies, including some of his former ministers. There were raids, arrests and the former president was banned from leaving Brazil.

According to the investigation, the suspects intended to discredit the electronic voting system before the elections Then they prepared a coup -which was not achieved- against the new Lula government.

Bolsonaro He defines himself as a victim of “persecution” and remained silent when questioned by police on Thursday.

In the polls, Bolsonaro remains the leader of the opposition, although he cannot run in any elections. having been banned until 2030 precisely for criticizing electronic ballot boxes without evidence.

The governor of the state of São Paulo and former Bolsonaro minister, Tarcisio de Freitas, as well as the mayor of the megalopolis, Ricardo Nunes, are expected to participate in the march.

One of Bolsonaro’s lawyers, Fabio Wajngarten, said this on Thursday He expected between “500,000 and 700,000” protesters, as well as more than one hundred deputies.

“I’m leaving on the 25th. For Brazil. It will be great!”, Bolsonaro federal deputy Bia Kicis wrote on X.

““If there is great support, (Bolsonaro) will be able to say that the people are with him.”André Rosa, a political scientist at the University of Brasilia, told AFP. Otherwise he will lose “legitimacy”, he adds.

The event was also promoted by pastor Silas Malafaia, one of the most influential figures among the millions of evangelicals in Brazila key constituency for Bolsonaro and the conservative opposition.

The former president asked his followers to march in green and yellow – the colors of the Brazilian flag which he tried to appropriate during his term – but not to carry banners or flags.

He also asked that no demonstrations be held in other cities across the country.

During his tenure, Bolsonaro’s acts were full of slogans against Brazilian institutionsin particular the Federal Supreme Court and its judge Alexandre de Moraes.

In addition to being responsible for numerous investigations against Bolsonaro and his entourage, this magistrate authorized the “Tempus Veritatis” police operation.

The accusations

Since he left power, Investigations are raining on the far right.

Last year he appeared before investigators on suspicion of having instigated the Brasilia revolt by his followers, a few days after Lula took power.

He too was summoned by the police for the alleged charges irregular entry of jewels into Brazil which were delivered to him by Saudi Arabia and for the falsification of anti-covid vaccination certificates.

Israeli flags may also fly on Paulista Avenue among conservative followers who have called on social networks to support the Jewish state, following Lula’s controversial statements in which he compared the military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust.