Thousands of Brazilians filled the streets on Sunday, vocalizing their stand as the verdict for former President Jair Bolsonaro’s trial looms. Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest, faces charges of orchestrating a coup following his defeat in the 2022 elections against current President Lula da Silva. The charges include attempts to undermine Brazil’s electronic voting system and jeopardizing democratic rule of law.

As Brazil marked its Independence Day, demonstrators both for and against Bolsonaro made their voices heard, a date symbolically chosen reflecting past protests led by Bolsonaro and his supporters. These protests have historically spotlighted their discontent with the judiciary and electoral systems.

The pro-Bolsonaro camp displayed Brazilian and US flags, signaling support not only for Bolsonaro but also for former US President Donald Trump, who has recently declared the treatment of Bolsonaro as a threat to US national interests. In July 2025, Trump condemned what he described as the judicial persecution of Bolsonaro, claiming it undermines democratic institutions in Brazil.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of the former president and a member of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, expressed gratitude towards the demonstrators and Trump via a post on X, calling them 'pro-freedom' advocates fighting for justice.

The stakes are high, with Article 359-M of the Brazilian Penal Code stating that attempts to violently overthrow the democratic rule can lead to a prison sentence of four to twelve years.

As the nation holds its breath, the Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict by Friday, potentially altering the political landscape and setting a precedent for the treatment of acts against democracy. The outcome of this trial will not just decide Bolsonaro’s fate but will also be a significant reflection on Brazil's commitment to uphold democratic values amidst political turbulence.