Thousands in Brazil hold massive pro-democracy rallies to condemn pro-Bolsonaro rioters

After pro-Bolsonaro supporters stormed legislature, executive and judiciary of Brazil, drawing condemnation from entire world, major cities led pro-Democracy demonstrations to lambast conduct of rioters in Brasilia. Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who refused to accept his election defeat stormed Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace Sunday, a week after inauguration of his leftist rival, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. 

Chants of “ amnesty! amnesty! amnesty!” were high as thousands of Brazilians streamed into streets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, demanding retribution against supporters of Bolsonaro who vandalised critical infrastructure in capital.  chant reverberated off walls of jam-packed hall at University of Sao Paulo’s law college on Monday afteron, reported AP. 

“se people need to be punished, people who ordered it need to be punished, those who gave money for it need to be punished,” reported AP citing Bety Amin, a 61-year-old rapist on Sao Paulo’s main boulevard. word “DEMOCRACY” stretched across back of her shirt. “y don’t represent Brazil. We represent Brazil.”

Protesters’ push for accountability evokes memories of an amnesty law that for decades has protected military members accused of abuse and murder during country’s 1964-85 dictatorship. A 2014 truth commission report sparked debate over how Brazil has grappled with regime’s legacy.

' amnesty' for rioters

Brazilian police on Monday had already rounded up roughly 1,500 rioters, with some caught in act of trashing Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court and presidential palace, while majority were detained following morning at an encampment in Brasilia. Many were held in a gymnasium throughout day, and videos shared on pro-Bolsonaro social media channels showed some complaining about poor treatment in crowded .

President Lula signed a decree ordering federal government to assume control of security in capital Sunday. It was approved by Congress’ Lower House on Monday night, and w proceeds to Senate. But pro-democracy protesters on Monday sought to ensure that ir mess — “ amnesty!” — was heard by authorities responsible for investigating and prosecuting, as well as far-right elements who might dare defy democracy again.

(with AP inputs)