Demonstration on Paulista Avenue brings together thousands for amnesty for those convicted on January 8th and pro-Bolsonaro this September 7th

Supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro filled Avenida Paulista in São Paulo on the afternoon of September 7, 2025, in a rally calling for amnesty for those convicted in the January 8, 2023, coup attempts. Organized by pastor Silas Malafaia, the event drew thousands, including political figures like former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, who arrived around 3:30 p.m. The mobilization, marked by Brazilian, U.S., and Israeli flags, comes ahead of Bolsonaro’s trial resumption at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on September 9. With banners and chants against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, protesters also urged Congress to pass an amnesty bill. The rally is part of nationwide protests, with São Paulo as the epicenter of the Bolsonarist movement.

The event, starting at 1 p.m., attracted green-and-yellow-clad supporters, many carrying signs with messages like “Moraes Out” and “SOS Trump, Bolsonaro Free.” The rally was planned to coincide with the September 7 holiday, emphasizing its patriotic tone. São Paulo’s Military Police deployed a special security scheme, with real-time monitoring via the Eagle Eye system.

• Main demands: Amnesty for January 8 convicts and support for Bolsonaro’s freedom.
• Key figures present: Michelle Bolsonaro, Tarcísio de Freitas, Valdemar Costa Neto, and Sóstenes Cavalcante.
• Context: The rally aligns with the STF trial and congressional amnesty debates.

Rally organization and mobilization

The Paulista Avenue rally was meticulously planned by religious and political leaders aligned with the former president. Silas Malafaia, pastor of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ, was the main organizer, rallying supporters via social media and prior events. The mobilization gained traction with figures like PL party president Valdemar Costa Neto, who spoke about support from parties like PP, União Brasil, and PSD for amnesty. The event also featured deputies like Nikolas Ferreira and Sóstenes Cavalcante, plus São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes.

The choice of September 7 as the date amplified the patriotic symbolism, with protesters using the holiday to highlight issues like freedom and democracy. The gathering in front of the São Paulo Museum of Art (Masp) began at noon, peaking around 3 p.m., per preliminary estimates. The event included a large sound truck for speeches and the playing of the National Anthem, which opened the rally.

• Key participants: Religious leaders, PL deputies, and allied governors.
• Setup: Sound truck, giant flags, and political banners.
• Peak time: Around 3 p.m., with the largest crowd concentration.
• Symbolism: Holiday used to reinforce patriotic and conservative themes.

Political and legal context

The Paulista rally occurs amid high political tension, with the STF set to resume Bolsonaro’s trial, alongside seven other defendants, for the attempted coup post-2022 elections. Under house arrest, Bolsonaro faces potential sentences of up to 43 years. His ineligibility, imposed by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) for abuse of political power, also fuels the mobilization, with allies seeking to reverse his legal situation through amnesty.

In Congress, amnesty discussions have gained momentum, particularly among Centrão parties like PP and União Brasil, which recently distanced themselves from the Lula administration to back the Bolsonarist cause. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has emerged as a key figure, pressuring Chamber President Hugo Motta to bring the issue to a vote. However, the Lula government opposes any measures benefiting January 8 convicts.

• STF trial: Began on September 2, with conclusion expected by September 12.
• Risks for Bolsonaro: Up to 43 years for five crimes, including coup attempt.
• Congressional amnesty: Involves PP, PL, União Brasil, and other Centrão parties.
• Government stance: Lula mobilizes allies to block amnesty proposals.

Symbols and messages of the protest

The rally stood out for its use of international symbols, such as U.S. and Israeli flags, alongside a giant U.S. flag stretched in front of Masp. Protesters voiced support for former U.S. President Donald Trump, with banners thanking him for recent tariffs on Brazil and sanctions against STF justices, seen as an attempt to influence Bolsonaro’s trial. Messages like “Faith in God, Eduardo Bolsonaro” and “Donald Trump, thank you very much” highlighted ties to international figures.

Attacks on Justice Alexandre de Moraes were central, with banners and chants of “Moraes Out” echoing throughout. A large inflatable of President Lula dressed as a prisoner, brought by the Novo Party, drew attention, alongside an inflatable egg with the phrase “You lost, buddy,” referencing a 14-year sentence for a January 8 protester’s vandalism.

• Symbols used: Brazilian, U.S., and Israeli flags, plus banners and inflatables.
• Main targets: Alexandre de Moraes and Lula were heavily criticized.
• International support: Protesters thanked Trump for sanctions against STF.
• Political messages: Calls for freedom, democracy, and amnesty dominated.

Numbers and event impact

Official crowd estimates from the Military Police were not yet available at the time of this report, but the University of São Paulo’s Political Debate Monitor recorded about 12,400 participants in in a prior Paulista rally on June 29, 2025. For September 7, organizers expected a larger turnout, boosted by the symbolic date and the STF trial’s proximity. Aerial images showed crowded sections of the avenue, especially between Masp and Rua da Consolação.

Bolsonarist rallies have lost some momentum compared to past events, like February 2024, which drew 185,000 people, per USP. Still, the presence of figures like Tarcísio de Freitas and Michelle Bolsonaro signals a loyal core of supporters. Security was tight, with drones and Eagle Eye cameras monitoring in real time.

• Crowd estimate: Not yet official; prior rally had 12,400 attendees.
• Historical comparison: 2024 rally drew 185,000; current event is smaller.
• Security: Drones and Eagle Eye cameras ensured real-time monitoring.
• Visual impact: Crowded Paulista sections with prominent flags and banners.

Political strategy behind the rally

The rally reflects a broader Bolsonarist strategy to pressure democratic institutions. Beyond the amnesty push, Bolsonaro’s allies aim to weaken the STF, with direct attacks on Alexandre de Moraes, labeled a “dictator” by Sóstenes Cavalcante. In Congress, efforts involve meetings with leaders like Hugo Motta and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre to discuss bills reducing sentences or nullifying January 8 convictions.

Tarcísio de Freitas, a potential 2026 presidential candidate, took a leading role, reinforcing his position within the Bolsonarist movement. His promise of a Bolsonaro pardon, if elected, resonated with protesters. Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro also shone, with speeches emphasizing a narrative of “political persecution” against the former president.

• Bolsonarist strategy: Pressure on STF and Congress for amnesty and freedom.
• Tarcísio’s role: Governor solidifies as a movement leader.
• Michelle’s role: Former first lady reinforces persecution narrative.
• Congressional efforts: Meetings with Motta and Alcolumbre ongoing.

Reactions and counterprotests

While Bolsonarists occupied Paulista, a left-wing rally earlier that day defended national sovereignty and opposed amnesty. Wearing yellow shirts and waving Brazilian flags, the group stressed the importance of upholding January 8 convictions, calling the coup attempts a threat to democracy. The Military Police kept the two events apart, avoiding direct clashes.

The Lula government, through congressional allies, is mobilizing to block any amnesty proposals. PT leaders like Lindbergh Farias labeled bills like the Shielding PEC, which would ease amnesty, as unconstitutional. International pressure, such as Trump’s sanctions, also sparked criticism from progressive sectors, who see it as undue interference in Brazilian sovereignty.

• Left-wing rally: Held on the morning of September 7, focused on sovereignty.
• Government stance: Lula and allies oppose congressional amnesty.
• Sanctions criticism: Progressives condemn Trump’s actions.
• Security: Military Police prevented conflicts between opposing groups.