Brazil: Protest in Betim, July 18

Event

Workers affiliated with the Union of Oil Workers of Minas Gerais and supported by the National Federation of Oil Workers plan to protest at the Gabriel Passos Refinery (Regap) in Betim, Metropolitan of Belo Horizonte, from 07:00 July 18. The gathering has been called to denounce the privatization of the refinery. Hundreds of people could participate in the action.

Heightened security is likely in the vicinity of the protest. The protest action and security force response, which could include road closures, could result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible if protesters engage in acts of public violence, are overly disruptive, or if they ignore police orders to disperse. There is an incidental threat to bystanders should any violence occur.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Plan for road travel delays in and near the protest area. Heed instructions from the security forces. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-government building.