Brazil: Federal government invokes emergency measures, deploys heavy security in Brasilia Jan. 9 after protesters storm government buildings Jan. 8 /update 2

Event

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Lula) has invoked an emergency decree and deployed heavy security to Brasilia to clear protester encampments as of early Jan. 9 in response to the Jan. 8 storming of government buildings by demonstrators supporting former President Jair Bolsonaro. The decree, lasting until Jan. 31, gives the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministerio Publico) greater access to police and military resources to quell demonstrations and secure the capital. Operations will aim in particular at clearing Praca dos Cristais, also known as Praca Civica, located near the military headquarters, which has become an encampment for supporters of Bolsonaro. Sections of the capital are likely to be closed to the public to facilitate security operations. The decree will also likely partially suspend some civil liberties, such as freedom of movement and freedom from search and arrest without a court-issued warrant. Additionally, the Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal) has ordered the removal of Ibaneis Rocha, governor of the Federal District (Distrito Federal), for allegedly supporting the demonstrators.

In the early afternoon, thousands of demonstrators marched towards multiple government buildings in the Three Powers Plaza (Praca dos Tres Poderes) region of central Brasilia, including the National Congress (Congresso Nacional do Brasil), Presidential Palace (Palacio do Planalto) and Supreme Court, and broke through security cordons, ransacking the buildings to denounce the results of the 2022 election. Security forces clashed with the demonstrators, launching tear gas in order to regain control of the facilities by 18:30. At least 200 protesters have been arrested.

Heightened security and police closures of sections of Brasilia are almost certain over the coming days. Clashes between pro-Bolsonaro protesters and police and counter-demonstrators are highly likely. Counter-demonstrations by supporters of President Lula are highly likely, as are planned disruptions by pro-Bolsonaro demonstrators to public infrastructure, transport, and government facilities in Brasilia. Disruptions to transport and business are almost certain in affected areas of Brasilia.

Advice

Avoid areas with protests or gathering security forces. Confirm appointments. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent any disruptions. If violence breaks out in your vicinity, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Comply with directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for developments.