Brazilians hold nationwide rallies to back President Rousseff

Tens of thousands of Brazilians have held nationwide rallies in support of President Dilma Rousseff who is facing impeachment amid a campaign for her ouster.

The demonstration, organized by major unions, was held in a number of cities including the capital Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.

The protesters condemned what they describe as a “coup” aimed at removing Rousseff from power, chanting “there will be no coup.”

Police said some 50,000 people took part in the demonstration, while the organizers put the number of participants at about 300,000.

Last week, a much lower number of people took part in an anti-Rousseff demonstration across Brazil to urge the 68-year-old president to resign.