On Sunday, August 3, 2025, opponents of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s (PT) government held protests in 62 Brazilian cities, criticizing the president and Supreme Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes, while demanding amnesty for those convicted in the January 8, 2023, coup attempt. The demonstrations, organized by leaders like Congressman Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) and Pastor Silas Malafaia, took place in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, but without former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), who is under precautionary measures in Brasília, barred from leaving his home on weekends. The protests reflect dissatisfaction with STF investigations and aim to pressure Congress for an amnesty bill. The movement gained momentum after U.S. sanctions against Moraes and other STF justices, seen by opponents as a response to judicial actions against Bolsonaro.
The rallies were marked by a decentralized strategy, with simultaneous events across various regions, unlike previous protests concentrated in major capitals. The core agenda included criticism of Moraes’ handling of January 8 cases, calls for amnesty for those involved, and attacks on Lula’s administration.
- Key cities with protests: Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana, 11 a.m.), São Paulo (Paulista Avenue, 2 p.m.), Belo Horizonte (Praça da Liberdade, 10 a.m.).
- Main goal: Push for the approval of an amnesty bill in Congress.
- International context: U.S. sanctions against Moraes fueled opposition rhetoric.
Bolsonaro’s absence, a central figure in the movement, was notable, but leaders like Malafaia and PL parliamentarians sustained the mobilization, using social media to rally supporters.
Reactions to international sanctions
The recent U.S. sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes, including the revocation of his visa and those of other STF justices, were a key driver of the protests. Announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 18, 2025, the measure was justified as a response to an alleged “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, accused of attempting a coup. Lula’s government responded, calling the decision an unacceptable interference in Brazilian sovereignty.
Lula expressed solidarity with STF justices in an official statement, while Moraes chose not to pursue formal defense in the U.S., as discussed in a meeting at Palácio do Alvorada. The opposition capitalized on the episode to escalate criticism of the judiciary, alleging political persecution.
- U.S. sanctions: Revocation of visas for Moraes and other STF justices.
- U.S. justification: Allegations of violations of free speech and human rights.
- Lula’s reaction: Support for STF and criticism of foreign interference.
- Moraes’ stance: Refusal to pursue legal action in the U.S. to avoid escalating tensions.
The international dispute added complexity to the protests, with demonstrators displaying banners mixing demands for amnesty with criticism of the STF’s political influence.
Amnesty push and January 8
The call for amnesty for those convicted in the January 8, 2023, attacks on the Three Powers’ headquarters is the protests’ main driver. The bill, under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies, seeks to pardon both direct and indirect participants, potentially benefiting Bolsonaro, a defendant in a coup attempt case. Legal experts note the proposal faces hurdles, as crimes against democracy, like those of January 8, do not align with historical amnesty precedents, such as the 1979 law during redemocratization.
The STF, under Moraes’ oversight, has convicted dozens, with sentences up to 17 years. High-profile cases, like hairdresser Débora Rodrigues, facing 14 years for defacing a statue, were cited in protests as examples of “injustice.” The opposition argues the sentences are disproportionate, while the government and allies defend the punishments as essential to protect democracy.
- Amnesty goal: Extinguish penalties for January 8 convicts and suspects.
- Notable cases: Débora Rodrigues (14-year proposed sentence) and Cleriston Pereira (died in prison).
- Legal hurdles: STF may rule amnesty for democracy-related crimes unconstitutional.
The push for amnesty gained traction with public mobilization but faces resistance from lawmakers and the judiciary, who see it as an attempt at political protection.
Decentralized mobilization and leaders
Unlike previous protests centered in cities like Brasília or São Paulo, the August 3 rallies adopted a “decentralized” model, with events in 62 cities, including capitals and smaller municipalities. The strategy, led by deputies like Nikolas Ferreira and Julia Zanatta (PL-SC), aimed to broaden reach and engage regional supporters.
Pastor Silas Malafaia, a key voice, led the Rio de Janeiro rally in Copacabana, calling Moraes a “coward” and vowing to intensify pressure on the STF. PL lawmakers, such as Luciano Zucco (RS), also participated, reinforcing claims of “political persecution” against Bolsonaro and allies.
- Involved cities: Salvador, Fortaleza, Campo Grande, Cuiabá, among others.
- Key leaders: Nikolas Ferreira, Silas Malafaia, Julia Zanatta, Luciano Zucco.
- Strategy: Decentralized protests for greater local impact and reach.
- Notable absences: Bolsonaro (precautionary measures) and Tarcísio de Freitas (medical procedure).
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) was notably absent due to a medical procedure. The decentralized approach was seen as an effort to sustain mobilization without key figures.
Political context and tensions
The protests come amid heightened political tension, with the STF investigating Bolsonaro for coup attempts and other crimes, including obstruction of justice. The Federal Police are also probing new threats against Lula and Moraes, including a January 2025 plot involving grenades and rifles. These investigations bolster the government’s narrative that the opposition poses a democratic threat.
Meanwhile, the opposition is pressuring Congress, particularly Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), to prioritize the amnesty bill. Tactics include obstructing votes and pushing for Moraes’ impeachment, though analysts see little chance of approval.
- Ongoing investigations: Coup attempt, death threats against Lula and Moraes.
- Congressional pressure: Opposition seeks urgency for amnesty bill.
- Moraes’ impeachment: Proposal with low viability, per experts.
Political polarization intensifies with the protests, which also reflect the impact of U.S. sanctions, viewed by Bolsonaro supporters as international backing for their cause.
Repercussions and next steps
The protests drew mixed reactions. Lula’s government reinforced its defense of democracy, while Bolsonaro’s allies vowed more rallies to sustain pressure. Civil society groups, like the MST, held counter-protests, emphasizing the need to punish January 8 perpetrators.
The amnesty bill’s progress in Congress remains uncertain, with legal experts warning of potential judicial review if passed. The STF, led by Moraes, will likely decide its constitutionality. Meanwhile, the opposition plans further mobilizations, eyeing the 2026 elections.
- Government response: Lula and allies defend punishing coup plotters.
- Counter-protests: Social movements rally for democracy.
- Amnesty outlook: Bill faces legal barriers and judicial veto risk.
- Electoral strategy: Protests aim to mobilize for 2026 elections.
The August 3 mobilization marks a new chapter in Brazil’s political polarization, with amnesty and STF criticism at the debate’s core.