New Delhi: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro led thousands of supporters in a protest against the countrys ban on the social media platform X. The protest took place on Brazils Independence Day. During his speech, Bolsonaro directly attacked Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who played a pivotal role in enforcing the X ban. Bolsonaro called de Moraes a “dictator” and urged the Federal Senate to intervene.Dispute between De Moraes and Elon MuskThe ban stemmed from de Moraes demand that X appoint a legal representative in Brazil. When X failed to comply, de Moraes suspended the platform. Elon Musk had already closed Xs offices in Brazil to avoid previous court orders targeting misinformation.Supporters rally behind Musks stance on free speechSupporters at the rally displayed banners praising Elon Musk for defending free speech, showing alignment with the tech billionaires decision to resist the Brazilian judiciarys demands.🚨 MASSIVE Protests in Brazil in support of Free Speech after the banning of 𝕏pic.twitter.com/9PXQAoEo9m— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 7, 2024Although barred from running for office until 2030, the rally was seen as a test of Bolsonaros ability to mobilize supporters ahead of the October municipal elections.Polarization deepens as critics question X banWhile many of Bolsonaros critics opposed the X ban, the protest has gained massive support in Brazil, as both sides grapple with the implications of free speech and legal enforcement.
