Brazil’s President Pledges Nation Will Not Bow to External Pressure as Bolsonaro Supporters Rally Ahead of Verdict
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has vowed that the country will not submit to foreign interference, as backers of his right-wing predecessor took to the streets to call for outside pressure on Brazil’s government and judiciary. The demonstrations came ahead of Jair Bolsonaro’s impending verdict for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 election results.
The former leader’s trial in the supreme court is set to conclude this week, with both allies and opponents expecting a severe sentence for his alleged efforts to remain in power despite losing the election.
In response to the legal proceedings, a foreign leader has imposed steep import taxes on Brazilian goods, calling the case a politically motivated attack against an ally. Sanctions were also announced against the supreme court justice overseeing the trial.
On Brazil’s independence day, Bolsonaro’s supporters held rallies in multiple cities, urging further foreign intervention against Brazil’s institutions. Many attendees carried flags and signs appealing for assistance from abroad.
“He’s our only hope. Only he can save us,” said Rodrigo da Silva, a 45-year-old merchant among the demonstrators in Brasília under intense heat.
Earlier in the day, Lula cautioned against foreign meddling in the judicial process. “We are not, and never will be, subordinate to any external power,” he said, criticizing right-wing figures whom he accused of supporting external pressure on Brazil. Bolsonaro’s son, a legislator, has reportedly spent recent months abroad lobbying foreign officials in hopes of shielding his father from conviction.
At Sunday’s protests, Bolsonaro’s backers pressed for stronger foreign action to aid the 70-year-old former president, currently under house arrest for defying a judicial order. If found guilty, he could face decades in prison. The verdict is expected by the end of the week.
“He is our last chance,” said Maria da Silva at the Brasília gathering, referring to the foreign leader.
Nearby, a vehicle displayed a sign reading “Help Brazil,” while Silva defended Bolsonaro’s innocence and accused the court of bias. “They want to silence Bolsonaro, and there’s nowhere else to seek help here. Only he is paying attention to us,” she added, holding a sign expressing support for the foreign leader.
“I trust in divine intervention. Maybe help will come through him,” she said.
In Rio de Janeiro, thousands gathered along Copacabana beach in solidarity with Bolsonaro, who still commands significant loyalty among his base despite legal troubles.
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