Backers of Bolsonaro hold mass protest

Former president Jair Bolsonaro said on Sunday he was prepared to “change Brazil’s destiny” as he addressed thousands of supporters in Sao Paulo, even while facing decades in prison for allegedly attempting a coup.

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The divisive far-right figure called for the demonstration on a major thoroughfare of South America's largest metropolis, seeking “justice” as he battles the charges.

“Those who accuse me may have many trump cards up their sleeves, but I have three things on my side that they don’t have: God, freedom and the support of a large part of the Brazilian population,” Mr Bolsonaro told the crowd, many of whom were clad in the green-and-yellow of the Brazilian flag.

He has called for several demonstrations since the start of the legal proceedings against him, and attendance has dwindled in recent months.

The University of Sao Paulo estimated about 12,400 people took part in Sunday's gathering on Paulista Avenue, a sharp drop from the 45,000 who took part in April and the 185,000 estimated to have marched for Mr Bolsonaro in February.

The former army captain dreams of emulating Donald Trump’s return to the White House, despite being banned from holding public office until 2030 over his attacks on Brazil's electronic voting system.