Gilmar highlights the message from the streets against amnesty: "time to look ahead"
Supreme Court Justice states that actions across the country reinforce the defense of democracy and reject institutional setbacks.
247 - Supreme Federal Court (STF) minister Gilmar Mendes assessed that the demonstrations held on Sunday (21) against the proposed amnesty for those convicted of the coup acts of January 8 are a demonstration of the vitality of Brazilian democracy.
For him, the mobilization demonstrated the vitality of the population's democratic commitment. "Today's demonstrations against the amnesty for the coup attempts are living proof of the strength of the Brazilian people in defending democracy," Gilmar emphasized.
Support for the Supreme Court and for democracy.
The minister recalled that, at different points during the protests, there were gestures of support for the Supreme Federal Court. "At different times, there were demonstrations of support for the STF, which, once again, lived up to its history, courageously and firmly fulfilling its mission of protecting institutions and holding accountable those who attacked the Democratic Rule of Law," he stated.
According to Gilmar, the presence of the national flag at the demonstrations reinforced the symbolism of the mobilization. “Thanks to the vigilant action of the Supreme Federal Court and the mobilization of society, Brazil reaffirms that there is no room for ruptures or setbacks. It is no coincidence that the flag that was displayed in the streets was the Brazilian flag, the greatest symbol of our sovereignty and national unity.”
A call for unity among the branches of government.
In his statement, the Dean of the Court also defended the need for institutional unity. “The message is clear: it’s time to look ahead! We need to transform this democratic energy into a great national pact between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, committed to an agenda of reconstruction and a future,” he wrote.
He added that the country demands concrete progress in strategic areas. "The country is clamoring for stability and concrete progress in areas such as the economy, public safety, the environment, and social justice. Only with unity and a long-term vision will we build a stronger and truly democratic Brazil for future generations."
Mobilization in all capital cities.
The protests were called for by political parties, social movements, artists, and digital influencers, focusing primarily on Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) 3/2021, known as the "Shielding PEC," and the Amnesty Bill.
The demonstrations took place in all 27 Brazilian state capitals. In the morning, the protests began in Brasília, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte. In the afternoon, they gained momentum in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Recife.
Avenida Paulista and the Copacabana beachfront recorded the largest crowds, with more than 41 people in each location, according to estimates from the Political Debate Monitor at the University of São Paulo (USP).
