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Updated Jun 19, 2021 - World

In photos: Brazilians rally against Bolsonaro as COVID deaths top 500,000

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Demonstrators gather holding signs during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

A June 19 protest in São Paulo, Brazil, against the administration of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has railed against precautionary health measures despite the soaring COVID-19 death rate and cases. Photo: Rodrigo Paiva/Getty Images

Demonstrators took to the streets in at least 22 of Brazil’s 26 states to protest President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic — as deaths from COVID-19 in the country surged past 500,000 Saturday, per AP.

The big picture: Brazil has the world's second-highest coronavirus death toll and third-highest number of reported cases. Only 12% of the country's population has been vaccinated against the virus, AP notes.

An aerial view as demonstrators hold signs that read 'Bolsonaro out' during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Protesters holding signs reading "'Bolsonaro out" and other statements against the president's administration in Rio de Janeiro on June 19. Bolsonaro was fined earlier this month for not wearing a mask at a rally. Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images
A demonstrator stands with boards depicting Jair Bolsonaro (L) and his son (R) as prisoners during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A demonstrator with boards depicting Bolsonaro (L) and his son (R) as prisoners during the protest in São Paulo on June 19. Brazil's Senate has launched an investigation into the government's handling of the pandemic. Photo: Rodrigo Paiva/Getty Images
Demonstrators gather holding large flags during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Brasilia, Brazil
A rally against Bolsonaro's administration in Brasilia June 19. Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga tweeted that the 500,000 lives lost to the pandemic "affects Brazil" and the world. "I work tirelessly to vaccinate all Brazilians in the shortest time possible and change this scenario that has plagued us for over a year," he added. Photo: Andressa Anholete/Getty Images
Members of opposition parties and social movements participate in a protest against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brasilia, on June 19
Members of opposition parties and social movements participate in a protest against Bolsonaro's handling in Brasilia on June 19. Photo: Sergio Lima/AFP via Getty Images
A demonstrator holds a sign in the shape of a cross with the phrase '500,000 deaths' during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
A demonstrator holding a sign in the shape of a cross stating "500,000 deaths" during the São Paulo protest June 19. The decision to host the Copa América soccer tournament during the pandemic has angered many in Brazil. Photo: Rodrigo Paiva/Getty Images
Demonstrators wear a costume depicting death and the picture of Jair Bolsonaro during a protest against Bolsonaro's administration on June 19, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Demonstrators wearing costumes depicting Bolsonaro and death during the Rio de Janeiro protest on June 19. Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos.

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