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**Brazilians Protest Bills Seen as Shielding Bolsonaro, Lawmakers From Justice**
**Brasilia, Brazil** – Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in cities across the nation this week to protest controversial legislative efforts that critics say would grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and shield lawmakers from prosecution. The demonstrations, fueled by outrage over perceived self-serving actions by the conservative-leaning National Congress, saw protesters accusing lawmakers of prioritizing their own interests over pressing social and economic issues.
The protests were sparked by two key legislative developments. First, the lower house of parliament passed an amendment making it more difficult to arrest or prosecute lawmakers, requiring a secret ballot vote of approval from their peers. Dubbed the “Shielding Bill,” critics argue it will create an environment of impunity.
Adding fuel to the fire, the lower house also moved to fast-track a bill – labeled the “Bandit’s Bill” by opponents – that could grant amnesty to Bolsonaro, his allies, and supporters convicted in connection with the January 2023 uprising that attempted to overturn the election results.
The protests featured a protest concert in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing Brazilian musical legends like Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque and Gilberto Gil – who defied censorship during the military dictatorship of the 1960s.
The bills face a challenging path in the Senate, and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to veto the amnesty bill if it reaches his desk.
The controversy unfolds as Bolsonaro faces potential jail time for his role in the January 6th-style attack on Brazil’s Capital. Bolsonaro has been barred from running in elections until 2030 due to spreading misinformation about the election. He was recently convicted of leading a “criminal organization” conspiring to overthrow Lula. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
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