Thousands protest against anniversary of Brazil's coup

Demonstrators hold photos of persons who were killed during Brazil's dictatorship during a protest in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, March 31, 2019. Over the objections of human rights groups but with the support of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, some military bases are commemorating the March 31, 1964 coup that lasted two decades in Brazil and made thousands of victims. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Demonstrators hold photos of persons who were killed during Brazil's dictatorship, and one holding a sign that reads "Where are our disappeared?" during a protest in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, March 31, 2019. Over the objections of human rights groups but with the support of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, some military bases are commemorating the March 31, 1964 coup that lasted two decades in Brazil and made thousands of victims. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

SAO PAULO – Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of several major Brazilian cities to protest against the 55th anniversary of the coup that instituted the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

The demonstrations took place on Sunday in 10 states, a day after an appeals court judge overturned another judge*s decision barring the commemorations sought by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain who has sparked controversy with comments seen as racist, homophobic and misogynist, and has praised the authoritarian regime.

In Brasilia, the nation's capital, protesters marched chanting "dictatorship never again."

Brazil's armed forces overthrew President Joao Goulart on March 31, 1964.

"Bolsonaro expresses his love for the dictatorship because he thinks that violence will resolve the country's problems," said Marcos Souza, a 37-year-old bank worker in a Rio protest.