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Brazil’s Bolsonaro, Lula competing rallies a preview of presidential campaign -Breaking

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© Reuters. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters at a demonstration called “For Freedom and for Brazil” held in Brasilia on May 1, 2022. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

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By Eduardo Simões and Lisandra Paraguassu

SAO PAULO (Reuters – Brazilian President Jairbolsonaro and Luiz Inacio Lula, the main opponent, held competing rallies on Sunday. They were intended to serve as previews of their respective campaigns for October’s presidential election.

Bolsonaro supporters had called the Supreme Court during week of protests against it after the president pardoned an elected official sentenced to eight year imprisonment for threats to judges.

Daniel Silveira (pardoned Congressman) stated in Niteroi in Rio de Janeiro that his arrest last January was “unconstitutional.”

Silveira thanked his fellow congressmen for their support during Silveira’s time behind bars last year. Although he was released in November, the Supreme Court sentenced Silveira to eight years imprisonment. Bolsonaro granted him pardon.

Bolsonaro participated in a demonstration against Brasilia’s Supreme Court on Sunday. Bolsonaro stated that the protests were peaceful and meant to protect democracy, freedom, the constitution, and the rule of law.

Simultaneous demonstrations were held in Sao Paulo for President Lula and Lula.

Lula made a 15 minute speech to his supporters. Lula claimed he was only speaking prior to becoming an official candidate. An announcement of his candidacy is anticipated for May 7.

Former president pointed to the U.N. Human Rights Committee’s recent finding that Brazil graft investigators had violated due

Lula’s case was brought to court, which led to Lula being imprisoned and his inability to run for office in 2018.

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