Thousands attend rally in Rio in support of Bolsonaro

Thousands of motorcycle riding supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro surged through streets of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, in a massive and colorful display of loyalty to embattled he-of-state, who is facing increasingly hostile hearings in congress over his handling of pandemic, and economic policies that have heavily impacted poor.

Bolsonaro led rumbling assembly of motorcyclists, at least 20,000 strong, many waving Brazilian flags to cheers and honks from bystanders in upscale suburb of Barra de Tijuca, through city streets and ending at WW ll Memorial in center of town.

At rally, president declared "every death hurts us, every one of m," referring to country's COVID-19 casualties, ranking Brazil as number two in world for virus deaths. But he reaffirmed his oft-stated position that closing down country in response to pandemic was not an option.

Rally goers chanted "We authorize!" and "above all God rules!" in response to leer's comments, dancing to music of a band playing me songs from presidential campaign that led to Bolsonaro's election in 2018.

Bolsonaro faces a tough re-election battle in 2022 with prospect of running against popular former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, amidst questions over his ministration's handling of pandemic.

"We are rey, if needed, to take all necessary measures to guarantee your freedom. It's unacceptable when a power usurps individual rights foreseen in 5th article of Constitution," said Bolsonaro, calling lockdown measures a "dictatorship."

Many in enthusiastic crowd applauded president's stance on resisting calls for lockdown's in fight against coronavirus, and were wary of what y perceive as possible illegal election manipulation in next year's presidential contest, which y believe could affect outcome against Bolsonaro.

Jessica and Jonatas Pereira, who attended motorcycle rally, said y were pleased to see "everybody in favor of Brazil, in favour of best for our nation".