- Written by Ione Wells
- Sao Paulo South America correspondent
Watch video: Thousands rally in Sao Paulo to support former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has claimed to be the victim of political persecution since leaving office nearly a year ago.
He told tens of thousands of supporters in Sao Paulo that the coup allegations against him were “lies.”
He also called for amnesty for hundreds of his supporters convicted of attacks on public buildings.
Police are investigating whether Bolsonaro incited the failed coup attempt after his defeat in the 2022 election.
Speaking at a rally in Brazil's largest city on Sunday, the 68-year-old former president denied the allegations against him were politically motivated.
He said it was time for Brazil to forget the past and move forward.
During his speech, he also talked about the next presidential election in 2026.
image source, EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Jair Bolsonaro says 'there is nothing to fear' from US to Brazil in March 2023
A large crowd dressed in yellow and green, the colors of Brazil's flag, gathered to hear Bolsonaro's speech. The people I spoke to said they were demonstrating here for freedom, especially freedom of speech.
They criticize what they see as a threat to jail Bolsonaro for “expressing his opinion.”
Some of his supporters at the rally repeated unproven claims that the previous election was fraudulent. He asked people not to bring in posters with such content or those criticizing institutions such as the Supreme Court.
Alexandre França, a 53-year-old commercial director, told the BBC that so many people turned out for the rally because “we have to express what we want for our country.”
“Today, everyone is afraid of being oppressed. I think that's why we're here to show our faces. We want Brazil for everyone, freedom for everyone. “There is,” he added.
Rogelio Morgado, a 55-year-old military official, was among the rally participants who spoke to the BBC. He said: “Brazilian politicians are afraid of people on the streets. That's all Brazilian politicians are afraid of.”
Bolsonaro's speeches are being closely monitored by authorities for anything that could be seen as inciting violence or undermining the electoral system.
After he lost the vote to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings in the capital Brasilia, including the presidential palace, Supreme Court, and Congress, looting and destroying buildings. committed destruction.
Three of Bolsonaro's allies were subsequently arrested, and the leader of Bolsonaro's party was also detained.
His supporters have accused police of spreading doubts about the electoral system, a rallying cry from his supporters.
Police claim this is a prelude to a possible coup. But without military support, disgruntled supporters stormed parliament, which houses the Supreme Court and the presidential palace, on January 8 last year.
Bolsonaro was in the United States when the Capitol attack occurred. He will return to Brazil in March 2023 and said he has nothing to fear.
He remains the most influential representative of the right in Brazilian politics.
