Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in a powerful show of opposition against a proposed law that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies. The nationwide demonstrations, which saw large crowds in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are a direct response to a legislative push to pardon those convicted for their roles in the January 8, 2023, attempted coup.
The Legislative Maneuvers
The protests were ignited by two controversial legislative proposals advancing in the Brazilian Congress:
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The Amnesty Bill: This is the primary target of the protests. This includes not only hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters but could also benefit the former president himself, who was recently sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by the Supreme Court for plotting the coup.
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The “Shielding Bill” (PEC da Blindagem): This constitutional amendment, also passed by the lower house, would require a secret ballot in Congress to authorize any criminal charges or arrests against lawmakers. Some deputies have publicly apologized for their “yes” votes, stating they were pressured to support the measure.
The legislative process in Brazil is bicameral. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to veto the amnesty bill if it reaches his desk, but its proponents continue to push for its passage.
A Broad Coalition for Democracy
The protests, which were the largest left-wing mobilization in Brazil since Lula’s election in 2022, drew a diverse cross-section of society. Their presence transformed the rallies into a powerful defense of democratic values. In São Paulo, a massive Brazilian flag was unfurled with the slogan “No Amnesty,” in a patriotic counter-statement to a previous pro-Bolsonaro rally where a large U.S. flag was displayed.
The Stakes and Public Opinion
For many Brazilians, the amnesty bill is a test of the rule of law. According to a recent Datafolha poll, approximately 50% of Brazilians believe Bolsonaro should serve his prison sentence, while a significant minority of 43% oppose harsh measures.
