Protests in Brazil by Bolsonaro supporters saw multiple government buildings stormed. Source: Marissa Hansen/Twitter.
An estimated 3,000 supporters of former far-right president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro have stormed the nation’s Supreme Court, National Congress Building, and the presidential palace in the capital city, Brasilia, on Sunday (Brazilian time).
Brazil’s armed forces had set up security barriers around National Congress. However, the protestors broke into the building, along with the Supreme Court, with footage showing them smashing furniture and windows. Other images show the protestors moving through the presidential palace.
It is likely there were limited personnel within the buildings, as the attacks took place on Sunday.
The day before, over 100 buses had arrived in Brasilia for the event.
The situation is now under control, with hundreds of people arrested and authorities vowing to bring everyone involved to justice.
Since the results of the October 30 election, Jair Bolsonaro refused to accept his electoral defeat to the left-wing now president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He has consistently questioned — without evidence — the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system.
Bolsonaro supporters have staged numerous protests since the election, including setting vehicles on fire, creating roadblocks, and protesting outside of military buildings while demanding the country’s armed forces to intervene.
Bolsonaro himself is yet to condemn or comment on the actions of his supporters. He had flown to the United States prior to his opponent’s inauguration.
The election’s results are recognised as legitimate by politicians from both sides of Brazilian politics, including some of Bolsonaro’s allies. Foreign governments also recognise the result as legitimate.
Regarding this week’s protests in Brazil, the country’s Justice Minister, Flavio Din said on Twitter, “This absurd attempt to impose their will by force will not prevail.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro tweeted, “All my solidarity with Lula and the people of Brazil. Fascism decides to strike.”
The United States security advisor, Jake Sullivan said on Twitter that the US “condemns any effort to undermine democracy in Brazil,” and the US support for Brazil’s “democratic institutions is unwavering.”
