Brazilians Flood Streets in Nationwide Protests Against Bolsonaro Amnesty Bill

Millions of Brazilians across all 26 states and the Federal District took to the streets on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to vehemently oppose a controversial bill that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, who were recently convicted for their roles in an attempted coup.

The widespread demonstrations erupted in response to recent legislative maneuvers. Last Tuesday, the lower house passed a constitutional amendment designed to complicate arrests and criminal proceedings against lawmakers. This was swiftly followed by a vote on Wednesday to fast-track a right-wing-backed bill offering amnesty to Bolsonaro, his inner circle, and hundreds of supporters implicated in the January 2023 uprising.

This legislative push comes just weeks after Bolsonaro was sentenced on September 11 to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to remain in power after his 2022 re-election defeat. He is the first former president in Latin America’s largest economy to be convicted of trying to overturn an election, despite his consistent denials of wrongdoing. The original coup plot included grave allegations, such as plans to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge.

Prominent Brazilian artists, including music legends Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, and Gilberto Gil, played a significant role in organizing and promoting Sunday’s protests, reuniting in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana neighborhood. Veloso expressed outrage over the ‘shielding law’ and amnesty proposal, stating, ‘I think I identified with the majority of the Brazilian population, who do not want these things to go through.’ Superstar Anitta also voiced strong criticism, emphasizing the public’s right and duty to hold politicians accountable.

While activists chanted ‘No amnesty,’ the nation remains deeply divided. A recent Datafolha poll released September 16 indicated that 50% of respondents believe Bolsonaro should be jailed, while 43% disagreed. These protests, largely organized by left-wing groups, contrast with earlier rallies where thousands of Bolsonaro supporters gathered in his defense, highlighting the ongoing political polarization in Brazil.

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