Thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro storm government institutions, leaving a trail of destruction
Supporters of Brazil’s far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro who dispute the election of leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gather at Planalto Palace after invading the building as well as the Congress and Supreme Court, in Brasilia, Brazil, on January 8 2023. Picture: REUTERS/ANTONIO CASCIO
Lula, who was visiting a city destroyed by rains in the state of Sao Paulo, returned late to the capital to take stock of the situation. He decreed federal intervention in the security of the federal district that is likely to be confirmed by congress during an extraordinary session early on Monday. In a show of strength, he is likely to meet the heads of congress and the top court, as well as state governors who are expected to fly into Brasilia.
Some rioters broke windows, furniture and carried out other acts of vandalism at government headquarters, while others took videos and selfies. Communications minister Paulo Pimenta said several works of art were damaged. The unrest on Sunday follows months of protests in front of military installations by Bolsonaro supporters who were demanding an intervention to prevent Lula from returning to power after the runoff. In late December there was a bomb scare near Brasilia’s airport. More than a hundred buses of Bolsonaro supporters arrived in Brasilia ahead of the Sunday protests.
Local governments across Brazil and big companies have implemented measures to avoid new episodes of violence. State-controlled oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro is monitoring security at its refineries to ensure it isn’t exposed to protests, Jean Paul Prates, the incoming CEO, said on Sunday. “They will treat this as a rallying call for future disruptions,” Muggah said. “Today’s [Sunday’s] violent insurrection is a reminder that democracy can never be taken for granted.”
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