Brazil protest: Supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the country’s Congress, Supreme Court and the presidential palace in the capital Brasilia on Sunday (Jan 8, 2023), days after the inauguration of his rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. so-called “pro-Bolsonaro riots”, Thousands of protesters reportedly bypassed security barricades, climbed onto rooftopssmashed windows, and invaded all three government buildings, which were believed to be largely empty and located on Brasília’s massive Three Powers Square.
Bolsonaro supporters who have taken to the streets have refused to accept their electoral defeat in the October 30 presidential election. Some of them reportedly called for military intervention to restore far-right Bolsonaro to power or remove leftist Lula from the presidency.
The rebellion lasted a little more than three hours and underscored the severe polarization that still grips Brazil after Lula’s inauguration.
Bolsonaro supporters have been protesting Lula’s election victory since 30 October, blocking roads, setting vehicles on fire, and gathering outside military buildings to urge the armed forces to intervene .
Brazilian President Lula calls Bolsonaro supporters ‘fanatic fascists’ after raiding Congress
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on Bolsonaro’s supporters, who Attacked the country’s Congress, the Presidential Palace and the Supreme Court“hardcore fascist”.
He also blamed Bolsonaro for inciting his supporters following a campaign of baseless allegations of possible election fraud following the end of his rule marked by divisive nationalist populism.
“These barbarians, whom we can call fanatical fascists, did what has never been done in the history of this country,” Lula said at a press conference.
“All those who do this will be traced and punished,” he added.
“This genocidal … promoting this through social media from Miami,” Lula said, referring to Brazil’s far-right former president Bolsonaro.
“Everyone knows that many speeches by former presidents encourage this,” he said.
pronunciation from Lula is anti-democratic https://t.co/c2Wnk9X39F— Lula (@LulaOfficial) January 8, 2023
Lula announced a federal security intervention in Brasília that would last until 31 January after the capital’s security forces were initially overwhelmed by the invaders.
‘Peaceful protest part of democracy but…’: Bolsonaro’s reaction after his supporters attack Brazil’s Congress
In his first reaction, Bolsonaro said he “disrespects” the allegations made against him by Lula.
He also said that while peaceful demonstrations are part of a democracy, attacking and damaging public buildings “crosses boundaries.”
– There is no main thing, counterclaims in the form of allegations, semi-propositions, a mime attributadas por parte do actual chef do Brazil. – Jair M. Bolsonaro 2️⃣2️⃣ (@jairbolsonaro) January 9, 2023
– Manifestacos Pacificas, na forma da lei, fazem parte da democracia. Continuing, attacks on people and poachers as already happening, as in 2013 and 2017 as a practice, start again. – Jair M. Bolsonaro 2️⃣2️⃣ (@jairbolsonaro) January 9, 2023
Bolsonaro flew to Florida 48 hours before the end of his term and was absent from Lula’s inauguration on 1 January.
The capital invaders left a trail of destruction, throwing furniture through the broken windows of the presidential palace, flooding parts of Congress with a sprinkler system, and ransacking formal rooms in the Supreme Court.
Brief timeline of key events leading up to the attack on Brazil’s Congress by Bolsonaro supporters:
30 October
Lula, who was president from 2003 to 2011, defeated Jair Bolsonaro in a run-off vote.
Bolsonaro supporters began gathering outside military bases across Brazil for the first time, demanding military intervention to prevent Lula from returning to office.
31 October
Truckers supporting Jair Bolsonaro blocked roads across the country following his defeat.
november 2
Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro hold rallies across the country demanding the intervention of the armed forces.
22 november
Jair Bolsonaro challenged the results of Brazil’s election, saying votes from some machines should be “invalid” in a complaint that election officials dismissed.
December 12
Lula’s electoral victory is certified by the Federal Electoral Court. Later that day, Bolsonaro supporters try to storm the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, following the arrest of a pro-Bolsonaro indigenous leader for alleged anti-democratic activities.
December 29
At least four people were arrested by Brazilian police for an alleged coup attempt during the riots by Bolsonaro supporters.
December 30
Jair Bolsonaro lands in Florida (United States) less than two days before Lula takes office.
January 1st
Lula has taken the oath of office for the third time.
8 January
Angry Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia.
Brazil launches probe into leaders of anti-democratic riots in Brasilia
As Brazilian authorities begin an investigation into the worst attack on the country’s institutions since democracy was restored four decades ago, the Supreme Court suspended Brasilia’s governor for 90 days over security lapses in the capital .
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes also ordered social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and TikTok to stop promoting the coup.
Police have now retaken the damaged public buildings after dispersing the crowd with tear gas and arresting around 400 protesters.
(with agency inputs)