Thousands attend rally in Rio in support of Bolsonaro

Thousands of motorcycle riding supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro surged through the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, in a massive and colorful display of loyalty to the embattled head-of-state, who is facing increasingly hostile hearings in congress over his handling of the pandemic, and economic policies that have heavily impacted the poor. Bolsonaro led the rumbling assembly of motorcyclists, at least 20,000 strong, many waving Brazilian flags to cheers and honks from bystanders in the upscale suburb of Barra de Tijuca, through city streets and ending at the WW ll Memorial in the center of town. At the rally, the president declared "every death hurts us, every one of them," referring to the country's COVID-19 casualties, ranking Brazil as number two in the world for virus deaths. But he reaffirmed his oft-stated position that closing down the country in response to the pandemic was not an option. Rally goers chanted "We authorize!" and "above all God rules!" in response to the leader's comments, dancing to the music of a band playing theme songs from the presidential campaign that led to Bolsonaro's election in 2018. Bolsonaro faces a tough re-election battle in 2022 with the prospect of running against popular former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, amidst questions over his administration's handling of the pandemic. "We are ready, if needed, to take all necessary measures to guarantee your freedom. It's unacceptable when a power usurps individual rights foreseen in the 5th article of the Constitution," said Bolsonaro, calling lockdown measures a "dictatorship." Many in the enthusiastic crowd applauded the president's stance on resisting calls for lockdown's in the fight against the coronavirus, and were wary of what they perceive as possible illegal election manipulation in next year's presidential contest, which they believe could affect the outcome against Bolsonaro. Jessica and Jonatas Pereira, who attended the motorcycle rally, said they were pleased to see "everybody in favor of Brazil, in favour of the best for our nation".

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Thousands attend rally in Rio in support of Bolsonaro

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