BRAZILIAN President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva led the call for democracy today, one year after the attempted coup by supporters of right-wing former leader Jair Bolsonaro. 

The invasion and looting of government buildings in the capital Brasilia on January 8, has led to 30 people being sentenced to terms of up to 17 years in prison.

Mr Bolsonaro has had his political rights suspended for eight years for abuse of power and misuse of the media to delegitimise the country’s electoral system and is also being investigated for his alleged involvement in the coup attempt.

Lula and other officials were set to gather in Congress for an exhibition on Monday featuring pieces including a tapestry crafted by renowned artist Burle Marx and a replica of the country’s constitution dated to 1988.

The display is notable, not because of the rarity of the objects, but because they are the living memory of one of the grimmest episodes in Brazil’s recent history.

The symbolic ceremony, labelled Unshakeable Democracy, is aimed at reassuring Brazilians of the strength of their democratic system of government.

Lula told Brazilian media outlets Friday that Monday’s event could help to show how Brazilians should work to be able to live “the entire 21st century without any coup.”

Following the events on January 8, Brazil’s Senate paid about $40,000 (£31,500) to recover the tapestry made in 1973, which was stained by urine and torn in pieces. 

It was initially feared the replica of the constitution had been stolen after a supporter of Mr Bolsonaro was filmed allegedly carrying it outside of the building. 

But the real piece was later found hidden in one of the building’s museums.

Lawmaker Carla Zambelli, of Mr Bolsonaro’s staunchest supporters, said she and many in her base will ignore the gathering, labelling it “a ridiculous waste of energy and public funds.”