Brazil: Pro-impeachment activists to protest nationwide Jan. 23

Event

Several organizations and social movements have called for nationwide protests Jan. 23 to demand that President Jair Bolsonaro be impeached. These calls are being made in response to the president's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, especially amid the severe oxygen shortages and crisis in the health system in Amazonas and Para states. The demonstrations are likely to draw large crowds; some of the organizations supporting the action are the influential Free Brazil Movement (Movimento Brasil Livre, MBL), Come to the Streets (Vem Pra Rua, VPR), Popular Brazil Front (Frente Brasil Popular, FBP), and the National Workers' Confederation (Central Unica dos Trabalhadores, CUT).

Protests have been sporadically planned through Jan. 24; however, the most widespread demonstrations are likely to occur Jan. 23. The following protest start times and locations have been confirmed:

• Belem: Souza de Franco dock from 0900

• Belo Horizonte: Mineirao from 1600

• Brasilia: Estacionamento Complexo Cultural Funarte (Funarte) from 0900

• Curitiba: Praca Nossa Senhora de Salette from 1600

• Florianopolis: Koxixos in Beria Mar Norte from 1600

• Fortaleza: Dragao do Mar from 1500

• Goiania: Praca Universitaria from 1600

• Joao Pessoa: Praca da Independencia from 1400

• Porto Alegre: Largo Zumbi dos Palmares (EPATUR) from 1600

• Recife: Classic Hall from 0900

• Rio de Janeiro: Zumbi dos Palmares Monument from 1000

• Sao Paulo: Legislative Assembly of Sao Paulo (ALESP) from 1400

Related protests will also likely occur in locations other than those listed above. The size of the events will probably vary significantly by location. Demonstrators could march through nearby streets. Large gatherings are likely to disrupt traffic and mass transit systems.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor protests with high turnouts. Spontaneous counterdemonstrations by Bolsonaro supporters are possible. Clashes could occur between opposing groups. Security forces may seek to disperse protesters who disobey authorities' orders to disband.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in the nearest secure location. Allow extra time for travel near known demonstration sites and in downtown areas of major cities Jan. 23.