The platform for the demonstrations on September 7, Brazil’s Independence Day, was the Esplanada dos Ministerios in the center of the Brazilian capital, where thousands of people from different parts of the country gathered to display posters attacking the judges of the Supreme Court. The Court (STF) has asked Congress for freedom of speech and religion and chanted in support of the head of state.
The military invasion of the country was also one of the banners defended by protesters this morning, who gathered in the Esplanade gardens and in trucks, many of them without covid-19 masks.
Speaking to news agency Lusa, Bolsonaro’s supporters echoed the president’s protest phrases in recent weeks, demanding the return of printed voting results to the country and accusing Supreme Court magistrates of trying to imprison Brazilians.
“We came to fight for our freedom, for print and verifiable voting, for public vote counting and for ending the dictatorship of the toga, because our Almighty takes our freedoms. They are tearing up our Constitution. Unfortunately, the only One who is within the four lines (of the Constitution) is our President and he enjoys our support, ”said Patricia Gomes from Belo Horizonte.
“I came here to honor the memory of my president and this fight for freedom of expression of ours, which has been criticized by the Supreme Court and a number of other politicians. We are here for the freedom of our Brazil. To preserve Our Brazil is always free and beautiful as you see it, ”said Josian, a resident of Brasilia but a native of Rio de Janeiro.
Walter came from the neighboring state of Goias to pay tribute to Bolsonar by defending “a better Brazil for all” and believing that the country “will change from September 7 onwards,” which he considers a “historic day.”
“We support our president here so that he can be re-elected and run this STF so that he can literally have executive power. His ideas are good, his prospects are great for our country, but he does not have the strength to act. “We are here to support Bolsonara so that he can act in our favor. He is a family man and strives for these values ”, – said, in turn, Edson, also from Goias.
Security at the event was very strict, all citizens intending to enter the Esplanade were searched by the police. However, despite a strong police force, no major incidents occurred on the spot.
To the delight of protesters, Bolsonaro flew over Brasilia in a helicopter and addressed thousands of supporters with the usual threats against Supreme Court justices, words widely applauded by those in attendance.
“We will no longer put up with the fact that the Almighty [Tribunal Federal] or any body that uses the power of power takes precedence over our Constitution (…) We also cannot continue to put up with the fact that a particular person in the region of the “three powers” continues to barbarize our population, ”Bolsonaro said, referring to Alexandra de Moraes, the most targeted STF. judge on protest posters.
While Bolsonaro spoke, Valterio Neves spoke to Lusa, arguing that the Supreme Court justices were trying to impose a “dictatorship” in the country.
“Today we have come here to fight for our freedom. We were suppressed by the STF, which tears up the Constitution every day, imposes a dictatorship in the country, and, unfortunately, our Senate colludes. The only one who defends our freedom is Jair Bolsonaro, our leader, ”he said.
When asked what dictatorship the STF is imposing on the country, brasiliense highlighted the existence of warrants for the arrest and “prosecution” of bloggers and parliamentarians associated with Bolsonaro, who are accused by judges of preparing anti-democratic actions in the country and spreading “fake news”. …
So far, the organization and security forces have not provided an estimate of the public’s presence, which is expected to number in the tens of thousands.
Demonstrations this afternoon will focus on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo, where a stronger commitment from pro Bolsonaro protesters is expected and where the head of state will also speak.