Pro-Bolsonaro Rally Features Maskless Demonstrators

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As the Federal District faces an increase in the number of deaths from the novel coronavirus, dozens of President Jair Bolsonaro‘s supporters failed to wear protective masks at a rally held on Sunday, July 19th.

The safety device to prevent the spread of the disease has been mandatory in the Federal District since late April. The non-compliance fine is R$2,000 (US$400). Although the protest was monitored by the State Police, no fine was imposed.

The rally was organized at the Ministries Esplanade by Christian and conservative groups. Despite the fact that dozens of them disrespected the district decree, the majority were wearing masks for protection, although they failed to comply with social distancing.

Among those who failed to wear the protective mask were elderly supporters, one of the risk groups for the disease, and members of the ‘Aliança pelo Brasil’ (Alliance for Brazil), a political party the President is attempting to organize in time for the 2022 presidential race.

The demonstrators marched from the National Library to Congress, where they raised crosses representing the federative units. In addition to praying for the President, who is quarantined after being infected with the coronavirus, they also criticized the judiciary and the legislature.

On banners and posters, they demanded the STF (Federal Supreme Court) judgment of politicians who were the target of Operation Lava Jato. They also called on the Senate to expedite impeachment petitions against Supreme Court justices.

The protesters also stressed that the real Supreme Court is the people and criticized the fake news bill. The bill was passed in June in the Senate and is under discussion in the Chamber. If passed unamended, it will proceed to Bolsonaro’s sanction or veto.

In addition to the President’s supporters, allied congressional deputies, such as Major Fabiana and Daniel Freitas, took part in the demonstration. Bloggers investigated in the fake news and antidemocratic rallies were also present.

In addition to criticizing the judiciary and the legislature, the protesters also called for the governors of São Paulo, João Doria, of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel, and of Goiás, Ronaldo Caiado to step down.

During the protest, members of the Alliance for Brazil collected signatures for the party’s establishment. By the past week, only 15,721 of the 492,000 required signatures had been validated, 3.2 percent of the minimum.

Last Saturday, July 18th, on a live broadcast on social media, Bolsonaro criticized the fake news bill. According to him, the proposal limits freedom of expression and it will not be possible to express anything if the text comes into force.

“I think it’s a way to put a limit on freedom of expression. It does not need to be that way. If someone feels harmed, they go to court. Slander, defamation, insult is provided for. You don’t have to devise anything else,” he said.

Bolsonaro made the statement at the Alvorada Palace, where he fed emus. For the second time this week, one of the birds pecked at the President’s hand, who complained of the pain but continued feeding the animals.

Source: Folhapress