Protest as Bolsonaro celebrates Independence Day

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro celebrated the country's Independence Day on Monday. Because of the pandemic the annual parade and ceremonies were cancelled, with the smaller flag-raising ceremony and a Brazilian Air Force fly-over the only official events marking the holiday.

The flag-raising ceremony was closed to the general public, but around 800 people were allowed to enter, including Bolsonaro supporters, who crowded in front of the Government Palace as the event took place. Meanwhile anti- Bolsonaro demonstrators gathered in Sao Paulo, denouncing the controversial president for his leadership during the pandemic, and for accusations of corruption against his government.