On Sunday, thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in major cities such as Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, as the nation anticipates the Supreme Court’s imminent verdict in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro faces charges of orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaro-supporters-rally-brazil-coup-trial-nears-verdict-2025-09-07/?utm_source=openai))
Demonstrations were notably polarized. Supporters of Bolsonaro, waving Brazilian and U.S. flags, gathered to express solidarity with the former president. This display also signaled alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized the trial, labeling it a political “witch hunt,” and has imposed tariffs and sanctions on Brazil in response. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-supreme-courts-bolsonaro-trial-concludes-under-trumps-scrutiny-2025-09-02/?utm_source=openai))
Conversely, counter-protesters assembled in Brasília, advocating for Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling by Friday, with potential sentences for Bolsonaro reaching up to 12 years if found guilty. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaro-supporters-rally-brazil-coup-trial-nears-verdict-2025-09-07/?utm_source=openai))
Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, addressed the crowd, emphasizing his father’s resilience and the family’s commitment to their cause. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaro-supporters-rally-brazil-coup-trial-nears-verdict-2025-09-07/?utm_source=openai))
In a related development, a proposed amnesty bill is under consideration in Congress. This legislation could potentially absolve Bolsonaro and his allies of charges related to the alleged coup attempt. São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas has advocated for the bill, suggesting that forgiveness is necessary to “pacify the country.” Critics, however, view this move as a strategic effort to secure Bolsonaro’s endorsement for the 2026 election. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaro-supporters-rally-brazil-coup-trial-nears-verdict-2025-09-07/?utm_source=openai))
The trial has garnered significant international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned the proceedings, describing them as a political “witch hunt,” and has responded with tariffs and sanctions against Brazil. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-supreme-courts-bolsonaro-trial-concludes-under-trumps-scrutiny-2025-09-02/?utm_source=openai))
As the Supreme Court’s decision approaches, the nation remains deeply divided, with the outcome poised to have profound implications for Brazil’s political landscape and democratic institutions.