Bolsonaro Supporters Rally on Brazil’s Independence Day Ahead of Supreme Court Coup Trial Verdict
- Victor Nwoko
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Tens of thousands of Jair Bolsonaro supporters filled the streets of Brazil on Sunday, Independence Day, in mass rallies against the Supreme Court just days before a verdict in the former president’s alleged coup trial.
Crowds dressed in yellow and green gathered in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasilia, focusing their criticism on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, rapporteur of the case. Bolsonaro, under house arrest, faces charges of leading a coup attempt to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat to current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He has denied the allegations, claiming political persecution.
A study conducted by researchers at São Paulo University estimated that about 40,000 people marched in the metropolis, mirroring earlier demonstrations this year. While turnout was lower than Bolsonaro’s peak rallies, when he attracted hundreds of thousands, the energy of his most loyal base remained strong.
“If he had wanted to stay in power, he would have been successful. Brazilians need to wake up,” said Suieton Souza, a former military officer, speaking from Rio’s Copacabana Beach while draped in a sarong combining the American and Brazilian flags.
Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, appeared in São Paulo wearing a shirt reading “Bolsonaro 2026,” despite his father being barred from running until 2030 due to a 2023 electoral court ruling for abuse of power. He repeated accusations that de Moraes was acting as a dictator.
On Avenida Paulista in São Paulo, supporters carried a giant United States flag, while presidential hopeful Governor Tarcisio de Freitas represented Bolsonaro alongside the ex-president’s wife Michelle. Delivering an emotional address, Michelle Bolsonaro said: “He loves his nation and his people, but he is suffering. I tell him every day that he will win. I believe and I trust in God’s answer to our nation.”
Meanwhile, fewer Bolsonaro backers attended the traditional military parade in Brasilia, where Lula and his allies gathered. Some of Lula’s supporters also held demonstrations across major cities, voicing support for the Supreme Court proceedings.
The political backdrop was further intensified by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, explicitly linking the trade measure to Bolsonaro’s trial, which he described as a “witch hunt.” Trump also sanctioned Justice de Moraes, drawing sharp criticism from Lula.
In a national address on Saturday evening, Lula declared that Brazil “will not be anyone’s colony,” emphasizing national sovereignty in the face of mounting foreign pressure.
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