Brazil: Violence breaks out during major protest in Brasília May 24 /update 2

Event

According to media reports, an estimated 150,000 people participated in protests against President Michel Temer in Brasília on Wednesday, May 24, which bagan with crowds gathering near the Mané Garrincha soccer stadium before marching towards the Congress building. During the demonstration, protesters clashed with security forces and broke into several ministry buildings; the Ministry of Agriculture building was also set on fire. Authorities have ordered the deployment of federal troops to contain the situation. Additional violence cannot be ruled out; avoid the area.

Context

The Popular Brazil Front and People Without Fear organizations, alongside other social movements and trade unions, had called for mass mobilizations on May 24. Demonstrators are demanding the protection of workers' rights as well as the resignation of President Temer, who is currently under investigation for obstruction of justice and corruption.

A recorded conversation of President Temer purportedly showing him discussing the payment of hush money to a jailed politician led to the opening of a formal probe by the Supreme Court on Friday, May 19. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down.

Brazil has seen a series of protests in response to labor and pension reforms proposed by Temer, whose conservative government came to power following the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff. Numerous opposition groups, labor unions, and civil society organizations consider Rousseff's ouster and Temer's arrival in office to be illegitimate.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, to anticipate transportation disruptions surrounding protest sites, and to monitor developments to the situation.