Brasilia, March 14 (RHC-teleSUR), -- Supporters of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro Sunday morning to protest the smear campaign against the two politicians.

Lula and President Rousseff have both been entangled in a corruption scandal involving the state owned oil company Petrobras, what critics say is a part of a discredit campaign.

Following Sunday morning's anti-government protest, supporters responded by organizing major demonstrations in the form of cultural activities.

Event organizers say they are defending democracy in Brazil, and have denounced the anti-government campaign being orchestrated by the media, corporations and right-wing sectors.

Supporters say that as long as the threats against Rousseff and Lula persist, they will continue their movement of support, including a mass demonstration called for March 18, organized by the national labor union.