<h1>Tens of thousands rally for jailed ex-president on Independence Day, protest impending verdict and call for pardons</h1> Tens of thousands of supporters of a jailed former president staged nationwide rallies on Independence Day to protest an impending Supreme Court verdict in his alleged coup trial, targeting the court's rapporteur justice and calling for pardons; the former president denies charges of attempting to remain in power after a 2022 defeat. The current president urged national sovereignty in response to criticism and tariffs imposed by the US president, who has also sanctioned the justice. Supporters of both sides demonstrated in major cities, with prominent allies of the ex-leader publicly campaigning for a 2026 bid despite his disqualification.