Why are Brazilians protesting the amnesty bill for Bolsonaro?

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Tens of Thousands Protest Legislative Efforts to Shield Lawmakers and Former President Bolsonaro

Tens of thousands of Brazilians demonstrated in major cities to protest legislative actions aimed at protecting former President Jair Bolsonaro and federal lawmakers from judicial consequences. These protests, the most significant leftist demonstrations in Brazil in recent years, specifically denounced efforts by lawmakers to evade legal accountability for themselves and for Bolsonaro, who received a prison sentence for a coup plot. This marked the first major public display of dissent since Bolsonaro's conviction earlier in the month.
Protests Denounce Efforts to Avoid Legal Consequences

The demonstrations were organised by social movements, unions, and political parties who are protesting against legislative proposals that would grant amnesty or immunity to individuals involved in actions against democratic institutions. Protesters voiced strong opposition to lawmakers seeking to shield themselves and Bolsonaro from legal repercussions, particularly in the wake of his sentencing for a coup plot following the 2023 storming of government buildings. This collective action highlights the deep political divisions within Brazil, with protest numbers comparable to recent right-wing gatherings held in response to Bolsonaro's conviction.
Legislative Actions Spark Public Outcry

Recent legislative moves in Brazil's lower house of Congress have fuelled the public's concern. A conservative majority fast-tracked a bill that could offer relief to former President Bolsonaro and his supporters who were imprisoned for their roles in the 2023 attacks on government buildings. Concurrently, lawmakers in the lower house passed a proposed constitutional amendment granting Congress the authority to halt the criminal prosecution of federal legislators. These legislative initiatives are perceived by many as attempts to undermine the judicial system and ensure impunity for those in power.
Demonstrations Held in Major Cities

The scale of the protests was substantial, with an estimated 40,000 demonstrators filling several blocks of Sao Paulo's Avenida Paulista. This gathering was noted as the largest turnout for left-wing organised protests in Brazil since October 2022. Protesters carried a large Brazilian flag emblazoned with the words "No Amnesty," a direct counterpoint to recent pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations. Similar protests also took place along Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach, where participants chanted slogans such as "Bolsonaro in jail" and "No amnesty!" The events were further amplified by performances from prominent musicians who had previously been exiled during Brazil's military dictatorship.

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Why are Brazilians protesting the amnesty bill for Bolsonaro?

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