Brazil’s X Ban Sparks Outrage as Bolsonaro Supporters Rally for Free Speech

In a significant display of political fervor, thousands of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gathered in São Paulo for an Independence Day rally. The event took place on Saturday in Av. Paulista, where many demonstrators expressed their discontent over a government-mandated ban targeting Elon Musk’s X platform, interpreting it as evidence of ongoing political persecution.

Clad in Brazil’s iconic yellow and green colors, the crowds chanted slogans and waved banners. One prominent message read, “Thank you for defending our freedom,” a nod to Musk amid the ongoing dispute over the X platform’s suspension.

Saturday’s rally served not only as a platform to demonstrate support for Bolsonaro but also as a litmus test for his ability to rally his base ahead of upcoming municipal elections in October. Despite his electoral ban, which prohibits him from holding public office until 2030, the turnout reflected a continuing passion among his followers.

The backdrop of the rally was the recent nationwide ban on X, enforced by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on August 30. This decision followed months of tension between Musk and Brazilian authorities regarding free speech limitations on the platform. Moraes, known for his strict measures against the spread of misinformation from far-right users, significantly intensified his actions following the violent January 8 incident, where Bolsonaro supporters attacked government buildings in an attempt to reverse the electoral outcome.

During the rally, Bolsonaro did not hold back in his criticisms of Moraes, labeling him a “dictator” and demanding that the Brazilian Senate impeach the judge. He reiterated his previous false claims that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had deceived the public in the 2022 election.

“They want to censor the truth, so the people can’t know the truth,” Bolsonaro declared to the crowd, despite suffering from a health issue earlier in the day. His words resonated deeply with his supporters, many of whom expressed their admiration for Musk’s defiance against the judiciary.

Bia Kicis, a staunch Bolsonaro supporter and lawmaker, commented on Musk’s actions, proclaiming him as “a warrior for freedom of speech.” She emphasized her belief that the political right is currently under siege, stating, “The left doesn’t want the right to exist.”

Retiree Amaro Santos added to the sentiment, stating, “Our liberties are in danger, we need to make our voices heard. De Moraes is a tyrant, he should be impeached, and people on the streets is the only thing that will convince politicians to do it.”

Musk, who has positioned himself as a champion of free speech, had also encouraged Brazilian participation in the rally, emphasizing the importance of fighting for freedom. He shared sentiments on social media, highlighting how the ban had awakened a sense of urgency among the population regarding the need to protect their freedoms.

However, the ban was not merely a unilateral decision; it was backed by other Supreme Court justices. In Brazil, legal frameworks impose stricter limitations on expression than those common in the United States. Despite this, Musk has emerged as a key figure for those advocating for unrestricted speech.

Records reveal that since 2019, the X platform has shut down 226 accounts linked to far-right activities that were seen as threats to Brazilian democracy, including those belonging to Bolsonaro’s party affiliates. Tensions escalated when the platform failed to respond adequately to court orders, prompting de Moraes to threaten legal action against its representatives and leading to a nationwide suspension of X.

Interestingly, not all politicians adhered to de Moraes’ ruling. Some right-leaning lawmakers openly defied the ban, using virtual private networks (VPNs) to publish posts and call for protest participation.

The rally coincided with official Independence Day celebrations, an event that has become increasingly politicized in recent years. Bolsonaro has historically utilized this day as a means to project strength and rally his supporters. Although his rhetoric has softened due to ongoing legal troubles—including multiple indictments and investigations into his potential involvement in the January 8 riots—he continues to steer significant public attention and mobilization.

The unfolding political landscape in Brazil showcases a deepening polarization, with the Independence Day rally emblematic of the ongoing tensions and the struggle for political representation in the country.

Source: Associated Press