Brazilians have marked the country’s Independence Day with duelling rallies in support of and against former President Jair Bolsonaro, days before the conclusion of his trial on charges of plotting a coup following his election defeat in 2022.

Tens of thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters gathered in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital, Brasilia, on Sunday, waving the flags of Brazil and the United States, in an apparent nod to President Donald Trump, an ally of the far-right former leader.

Thousands more also rallied for Bolsonaro’s conviction in cities including Brasilia and Sao Paulo.

The 70-year-old former army captain, who has been under house arrest, risks up to 43 years in prison if he is convicted of orchestrating a coup to stay in power despite his election loss.

Bolsona

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