Brazil: Nationwide protests amid anniversary of 1964 military coup Mar. 30-31

Event

Protests against the commemoration of the anniversary of the 1964 military coup and demonstrations in memory of the victims of the military dictatorship that began in 1964 are expected nationwide on Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31. In São Paulo (São Paulo state), demonstrations are expected near the former Department of Information Operations - Center for Internal Defense Operations (DOI-CODI) on Saturday, while additional protests are expected to take place on Sunday on Avenida Paulista and in Ibirapuera Park.

Further demonstrations in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais state), Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul state), and Recife (Pernambuco state) are also expected on Sunday. In Brasília, the memorialization of the victims of the dictatorship is slated to begin at 09:00 (local time) on Sunday at Eixão-Asa Norte 108. Local media sources report that the military may hold closed ceremonies on Friday, March 29, although further details of the event have not been released. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are likely around demonstration sites.

Context

On March 25, President Jair Bolsonaro called for the commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the 1964 military coup and military dictatorship on March 31. The move prompted the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) to file civil proceedings on March 28 to prevent events related to the commemoration, memorial, or honoring of the 1964 coup d'état. Prosecutors said that under international criminal law, Brazil's dictators committed crimes against humanity and that an event commemorating the coup of 1964 violates Brazil's constitution.

This year will be the first time since 2011 that the military will be allowed to commemorate the date.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.