
FILE PHOTO: Security forces detain a supporter of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro during a demonstration against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, outside Brazil’s National Congress in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8, 2023. PICTURE: REUTERS/Adriano Machado
BRAZIL: Bolsonaro supporters’ camps across the country within 24 hours and told police to arrest any protesters still on the streets.
At least 400 people have been arrested after pro-Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings in Brazil’s capital, said Mr Ibaneis Rocha, the governor of the country’s Federal District.
Mr Rocha tweeted that those arrested “will pay for the crimes committed.”
“We continue working to identify all the others who participated in these terrorist acts this afternoon in the Federal District. We continue to work to restore order,” Mr Rocha added.
Brazil’s capital, Brasília, is part of the Federal District. It is home to the country’s Congress and Supreme Court buildings, and the presidential palace, which were all stormed Sunday.
Meanwhile, Brazilian Supreme Court judge Mr Alexandre de Moraes has ordered the military to dismantle all Bolsonaro supporters’ camps across the country within 24 hours and told police to arrest any protesters still on the streets, according to a court order.
“Absolutely nothing justifies the existence of full camps of terrorists, sponsored by various financiers and with the complacency of civil and military authorities in total subversion of necessary respect for the Federal Constitution,” the order reads.
Former Brazilian leader, Mr Jair Bolsonaro supporters had been camped out in the capital since his presidential election defeat in October.
Commanders from the armed forces, police and the defense minister will be held accountable in court if the camps are not dismantled, Mr Moraes said, adding that all highways in the country must be cleared on Monday.