On Sunday, Brazilians celebrated their country's independence from Portugal as they do every year on 7 September: with patriotism, military parades, flag-waving and churrascos – Brazilian barbecues.
But with a verdict imminent in the trial on coup charges of former President Jair Bolsonaro, this year the day was marked by rival rallies.
Thousands took to the streets chanting slogans about freedom: some in defense of democracy, others in defense of the ex-president who stands accused of trying to overthrow it.
On Tuesday, five Supreme Court justices will start to deliver their verdicts, one by one, on whether Jair Bolsonaro masterminded a coup to cling to power after losing the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The allegations include proposing a coup to military commanders, knowing of a plot to assassinate President-elect Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and inciting supporters to attack government buildings on 8 January 2023 after casting doubt on the electoral system.
Bolsonaro denies the charges, calling them politically motivated, a view shared by his supporters – and US President Donald Trump. Trump has labelled the trial political persecution and imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, as well as sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Moraes, who is leading the trial.
Jair Bolsonaro's son Eduardo defended the tariffs, stating that freedom comes first, before the economy. However, many Brazilians view this as unpatriotic, alleging that it inflicts economic pain for the Bolsonaro family's political battles.
Bianca, a pro-Bolsonaro supporter acknowledged, Brazil is totally divided. But I believe with US sanctions, those who were in favour [of the trial] are taking their foot off the gas, indicating the ongoing political friction.
Patriotic symbols like Brazil's national flag and football shirt have long been co-opted by Bolsonaro's right-wing base, adorned with Trump's merchandise during rallies. Protesters demanded, Amnesty! and Moraes, out!, while critics of Bolsonaro filled the streets chanting no amnesty and dictatorship, never again! with inflatable figurines portraying Bolsonaro in prison.
The protests showcased the sharp divide in Brazilian society, where supporters view him as a victim of persecution while opponents call for accountability to protect democracy.
The trial is not just a legal battle but a significant moment in Brazil's ongoing struggle with its young democracy, facing challenges reminiscent of its past authoritarian regime. It could serve as a critical precedent in maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions against potential threats from within.
