Jair Bolsonaro (Jair Bolsonaro) will still resist in the face of increasing pressure in response to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (Jair Bolsonaro) joined thousands supporter At a motorcycle rally in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, the far-right leader remained rebellious in the face of continued government pressure on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motorcyclists traveled about 40 kilometers (25 miles) along the city’s famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and then reached Flamenco Beach, where Bornanaro (Bolsonaro) Get off the motorcycle to greet the crowd.

The former army captain said: “My army will never take to the streets and force you to stay at home.”

Bolsonaro added: “Without any scientific basis, the governor and mayor have to impose a lockdown or curfew… We are ready to take all necessary measures to protect your freedom.”

The president has been widely criticized as Avoid Public health experts say that measures related to the coronavirus, such as lockdown measures, may help prevent the spread of the virus in Brazil, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

In the early stages of the crisis, Bolsonaro regarded the virus as a “little flu” and touted the use of anti-malaria drugs Hydroxychloroquine Treat COVID-19 and criticize local leaders who are trying to impose health restrictions.

According to statistics from Johns Hopkins University, the number of deaths from the coronavirus exceeds 448,000, which is the second highest death toll in the world after the United States, with 16 million confirmed cases so far.

However, even though the Brazilian Senate has taken a series of actions, Bolsonaro still does not believe that public health measures are needed to deal with the virus. survey Enter the government’s handling of the pandemic.

Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reported in Rio de Janeiro that about 10,000 motorcyclists participated in Sunday’s rally, which was organized by a close friend of Bolsonaro.

“They want to show that, despite the polls, President Jal Bolsonaro still has supporters. Recent polls show that Bolsonaro will be in [2022] Former President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva (Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva) holds elections. “

Lula served as President of Brazil from 2003 to 2011. After being convicted of corruption, he was disqualified from participating in the 2018 presidential election.

But the judges of the Supreme Court throw it out His conviction in March opened the door for Lula to return to politics.Supreme Court adhere to Decision in April.

Although the left-wing leader did not say bluntly that he plans to participate in next year’s general election, recent polls show that if he does, he will defeat Bolsonaro.

Lula said: “I ran 8 kilometers before the interview… I usually run 9 kilometers from Monday to Friday every day, because walking around in Brazil is very difficult and very tiring. I need to prepare my legs to solve it. This country’s problem.” said recently Interview With the Guardian.

“I will be 77 years old [by next year’s election]. I thought it was old. But then I saw Biden won the 78-year-old election and said: “Well, compared to Biden, I am a boy, so maybe I will be fine.”