17 Apr 2018 | 01:02 PM UTC
Brazil: Anti-Globo protests April 17
Protests being held in cities across Brazil April 17 by Workers’ Party supporters amid high sociopolitical tensions
Event
Protests by various organizations are expected to take place in cities throughout Brazil on Tuesday, April 17, the second anniversary of the beginning of the impeachment process against former President Dilma Rousseff. Some of the demonstrations are expected to take place in front of offices of the Rede Globo media network, which Rousseff supporters claim played a part in the “coup” that removed her from power. Former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Lula), also of Rousseff’s Workers’ Party (PT), has claimed that the convictions against him are also due to “lies” spread by the Globo network.
Demonstrations are expected in:
- São Paulo at the Morumbi metro station beginning at 17:00 (local time)
- Brasília in front of the Federal Supreme Court building
- Cuiba at the TV Centro América headquarters beginning at 09:00
- Itabuna at Praça Adami beginning at 16:00
- Campina Grande at the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba campus
- Porto Alegre at the Esquina Democrática beginning at 17:00
Related protests are possible in the coming days, with the Supreme Court expected to rule on Lula’s current incarceration. If the court decides against liberating Lula, his supporters will likely take to the streets. Conversely, anti-Lula protests are also likely if the court decides to free him.
Context
Sociopolitical tensions have been high in Brazil in recent years following numerous corruption scandals, Rousseff’s impeachment, and Lula being sentenced to 12 years in prison. Lula, president from 2003 to 2011, was and remains a popular if divisive figure. Despite his conviction, which would technically prohibit him from running in the upcoming October 7 presidential elections, he has been chosen by the PT as their presidential candidate. Lula and the PT have characterized the conviction as a political witch-hunt intended to keep him out of office.
Advice
Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate.
