After the invasion and vandalism of the National Congress, Planalto Palace, and the Supreme Federal Court by far-right members this Sunday (8), President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, STF ministers, and Congressional leaders met on the morning of this Monday (9) to take institutional measures in accordance with Brazilian laws and, in a jointly signed letter, reiterated their repudiation of what they called “terrorist acts” and “vandalism.”
See below a summary of the updates regarding this episode that marks the history of Brazilian politics.
More than 1,500 people have already been detained
A convoy with 40 buses was led by the Federal Police (PF) on the morning of this Monday (9) in Brasília, carrying 1,500 detained individuals. These individuals had been camping in front of the Army Headquarters in the federal capital and were detained for the destruction of the facilities of the National Congress, Supreme Federal Court (STF), and Planalto Palace.
The Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, announced at the end of Sunday that at least 200 people had already been arrested in connection with the invasion and destruction of public facilities.
Dismantling of the camps
The Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered that the camps housing pro-Bolsonaro protesters be dismantled within 24 hours. These individuals had occupied camps not only in Brasília but also in other major cities across the country for over 60 days, since the elections that resulted in Lula’s victory.
There was a fear that the evacuation of the camps could lead to more conflicts, but according to a police spokesperson in Brasília, the campers did not resist and agreed to board the buses. They will be identified and charged with various crimes, including coup d’état.
Federal Intervention
With the support of the legislative and judicial powers, President Lula signed an emergency decree on Sunday night, declaring federal intervention in the public security area of the Federal District until January 31. Federal authorities are now responsible for security in the capital of Brazil, under the command of Ricardo Capelli, executive secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Federal intervention is an exceptional and temporary measure that removes the autonomy of states, the Federal District, and municipalities.
Governor of the DF suspended for 90 days
Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court ordered the suspension of the Governor of the Federal District, Ibaneis Rocha, for a period of 90 days.
In a statement, Moraes justified his decision:
“On this date, 1/8/2023, the violent escalation of criminal acts resulted in the invasion of buildings, with vandalism of public property, as widely reported by the national press, circumstances that could only occur with the consent, and even effective participation, of the authorities responsible for public security and intelligence, since the organization of the alleged protests was a notorious and well-known fact, publicized by the Brazilian media,” he stated.
“The existence of a criminal organization, whose acts have occurred regularly for months, including in the Federal District, is a strong indication of the collusion and acquiescence of the Public Power with the crimes committed, revealing the serious compromise of public order and the possibility of similar acts being repeated if the circumstances remain the same,” he added.
Supporters of Bolsonaro have long criticized Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of exercising power unilaterally.
Congress urgently convened
Members of Congress, who were on recess, were urgently summoned this Monday (9). They managed to gather enough signatures supporting the opening of a CPI to investigate the invasion.
Bolsonaro, on vacation in Florida, criticized the invasion in Brasília
Bolsonaro, who has been on vacation in Florida since December 31, criticized the invasion of government buildings on Sunday night, stating on Twitter that peaceful protests are part of democracy, but that “destruction and invasion of public buildings, like what happened today,” are not.
“Peaceful protests, in accordance with the law, are part of democracy. However, vandalism and invasions of public buildings as occurred today, just like those carried out by the left in 2013 and 2017, fall outside the norm,” Bolsonaro said.
The former president also repudiated Lula’s comments that he bore any responsibility for the disturbances, stating that these accusations were “unfounded.”
Democrats in the U.S. advocate for Bolsonaro’s expulsion
Bolsonaro has been on vacation in Florida since the end of his term as president. However, Democratic lawmakers are not pleased with the former president’s presence on American soil following the events of this Sunday.
U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro stated that Bolsonaro should be sent back to Brazil. “The United States should not be a refuge for this authoritarian who has inspired domestic terrorism,” he said.
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez agrees. “The U.S. must stop providing refuge to Bolsonaro in Florida.”
But can the United States expel Bolsonaro?
Well, the country can expel whomever it wants, but Bolsonaro is a former Head of State, and it was with that status that he entered the United States on December 31. He has a special visa, the A1, which is granted to heads of state. When the holder of the visa ceases to hold office, the visa is canceled. However, Bolsonaro entered the United States one day before the end of his term, meaning he was still a head of state and his visa was valid. There is no time limit for heads of state to stay on American soil. This means that Bolsonaro’s visa is valid and he can remain in the country for an indefinite period.
Now, if he is summoned by Brazilian Justice, that is another story.
Diplomats allied with Bolsonaro are dismissed from positions in the U.S.
Maria Nazareth Farani Azevedo, Consul of Brazil in New York, one of the most coveted posts among consular staff, and Nestor Forster, ambassador of Brazil in Washington, one of the most important positions in Brazilian diplomacy, were dismissed by Lula’s government. Although the decision was published in the Official Gazette this Monday (9), it had already been made on January 6, thus before the invasion by extremists of public buildings.
Government creates email to receive information about Sunday’s acts
The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino, announced this Monday (9) that in addition to the ongoing investigations, the ministry created the email denuncia@mj.gov.br to receive information about “terrorist attacks” that occurred this Sunday (8) in Brasília.
The Federal Police also reported that it created the email denuncia8janeiro@pf.gov.br to receive information about the acts of terrorism from last Sunday.
Meanwhile, on social media, internet users are seeking alternatives to identify participants in acts committed by pro-Bolsonaro groups. Influencers and politicians have called for their followers on Instagram and Twitter to collaborate.
“Let’s simplify… Post here in this tweet ALL possible screenshots showing the faces of those involved in the terrorist invasion of the National Congress. Just reply here and attach the image. Let’s create a little list to facilitate the work…” said YouTuber Felipe Neto, who has over 700,000 followers.