Brasilia, March 31 (RHC)-- On Thursday, Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva led a rally in Brasilia, the country's capital, to defend democracy and to reject impeachment proceedings in Congress against President Dilma Rousseff.

The action was called for by pro-government organizations and the Workers' Party in Brasilia and in 30 other major cities across the country.

Thursday's rallies were not the first time that Brazilians took to the streets to express support for their government and democracy in the South American country. Similar actions in support of President Rousseff took place on March 19th.

On Wednesday, the Brazilian head of state described the impeachment proceedings against her as baseless and a "coup" attempt.