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On Wednesday (07/12), Supreme Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered the removal of a mayor in Mato Grosso who encouraged truck drivers to go to Brasília for anti-democratic acts in front of the Army HQ and said that he would “take over the Congress, the STF and even the Planalto”. The STF minister has been responsible for carrying out actions to repress the demonstrations that last since the elections second round. He is rapporteur of investigations into the organization and financing of anti-democratic demonstrations, which have been taking place throughout the current government.
The Mayor
Carlos Capeletti, mayor of Tapurah (MT), said in a speech after the defeat of President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in the elections that, “if by November 15th the Army does not take some action in favor of the Brazilian nation and of our freedom, we are going to take action”.
In the case of the mayor, the statement was interpreted by Moraes as stimulating political leaders who foment and encourage engagement in acts of social disturbance.
Businessman Arrested
On 6 November, Milton Baldin, a businessman from Mato Grosso who summoned legal shooters and truck drivers to participate in protests in support of Bolsonaro, was arrested by the Federal Police also by order of Moraes.
Other Repressive Measures
Moraes also fined R$100,000 to owners of more than a hundred vehicles, most of them trucks, used in anti-democratic acts in Mato Grosso, identified by state authorities. He also made these vehicles unavailable — that is, he banned their circulation and blocked their documents.
The Protests
Bolsonaro supporters have been protesting in front of military barracks since the elections result revealed the victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the dispute for the presidency. They call on the Armed Forces to promote a coup that prevents the inauguration of future president Lula. The main act is in front of the Armed Forces HQ in Brasília, but others are seen across the country.
