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On Monday (12/12), protesters promoted acts of vandalism and clashed with the military police (PM) and the federal police (PF) in Brazil’s capital, Brasília. The acts were carried out by supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro, in the central region of the capital.
Destruction
According to the Fire Department of the Federal District (DF), three cars and five buses were burned during acts of vandalism that took place at night. A 67-year-old person was sent to a hospital after breathing tear gas.
Motivation
The acts of vandalism began in front of the PF, in Asa Norte, at around 19:00, after the arrest José Acácio Tserere Xavante, an Indigenous who supports Bolsonaro. The Prosecutor General of the Republic (PGR) and the Federal Supreme Court (STF) claim that Tserere is investigated for participating in anti-democratic acts and gathering people to commit crimes.
In response to the arrest, his colleagues tried to invade the PF’s building and attacked the 5th Police Station, in Asa Norte. Military police officers clashed with the group, which placed gas cylinders on roads near the site.
The Aftermath
On Tuesday morning (13/12), the Esplanada dos Ministérios was closed to vehicle traffic by authorities. In addition, blockades were set in Praça dos Três Poderes and in the vicinity of the Setor Hoteleiro Norte and the headquarters of the Federal Police.
As a security measure, buses were delayed by about an hour to leave the garages this morning. This caused problems to people using public transport.
Future Minister of Justice
On Monday night (12/12), right after the acts of vandalism in Brasília, the future Minister of Justice Flávio Dino told journalists that everyone involved in the violent acts from that night will be punished. Dino said that measures have already been taken to hold the culprits accountable and that this process of identifying and punishing the vandals will continue in the coming days.
The Post-Elections Protests
The acts that took place on Monday (12/12) are connected to a series of protests that started on 31 October, after the election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the country’s Presidency.
These actions are promoted by groups that support current President Jair Bolsonaro and do not accept his defeat for Lula. They claim that the election was rigged and do not want Lula to take office. For that, they have been requesting the Armed Forces’ help, and a military coup.
Operation to Repress the Acts
On Thursday (15/12), an operation launched by the Federal Police (PF) against organizers of the demonstrations targeted three groups accused of violent abolition of the democratic rule of law; against honor; incitement to crime; and attempted coup d’état. The action was authorized by Federal Supreme Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes and it is related to investigations into coup acts and against the result of the elections.
The STF received information about suspects of organizing and financing acts for the abolition of the democratic rule of law and other crimes. In all, 103 arrest, search and seizure warrants were authorized in eight states (AC, AM, ES, MT, MS, PR, RO and SC) and in the Federal District.
The intelligence network identified sponsors of demonstrations, funders of structures for camps, fundraisers, protest leaders and mobilizers of anti-democratic actions on social networks, as well as truck and vehicle owners who participated in roadblocks.
Weapons Seized
During the operation, the Federal Police (PF) seized at least 11 firearms at addresses in Santa Catarina. Among the weapons seized there are: rifles, pistols, revolvers, semiautomatic rifles, submachine guns.
Our Analysis:
Since this incident is part of a long-lasting series of protests, it is likely that similar events occur again, as the new president’s inauguration date approaches. In case of any trip to Brasília, people must follow the recommendations below.
Recommendations
While in Brasília, people must reduce displacements as much as possible
Avoid areas near the rally zones and the streets used by the participants to reach their gathering point
In Brasília, areas near buildings belonging to the Federal administration are critical, particularly: the Palácio do Planalto (Presidential Palace), the Esplanada dos Ministérios, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), the Congress, the Federal Supreme Court (STF), and the Army HQ
Anticipate traffic disruptions close to rally locations and plan additional time for long and short trips
Do not engage in political debates, or mention any opinion about the topic
Avoid wearing red shirts or the Brazilian jersey, as they might be interpreted as an indication of political affiliation
In addition to the Tserere’s arrest, Monday (12/11) was a critical day politically. It was when the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) officially recognized the victory of Lula’s ticket, by giving the future President and his vice, Geraldo Alckmin, certificates. Events like these can further incite radical groups to act violently. 1 January is likely the most critical day. This is the day when Lula is expected to take office
