Bolsonaro Challenges STF Ruling, Overflies Pro-Government Rally, Doffs Mask to Join Crowd

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Sunday morning, May 24th, President Jair Bolsonaro took part in yet another rally to support the government in the Three Powers Square in Brasília.

The President left the Alvorada Palace, his official residence, by helicopter, at 11:32 AM. First, Bolsonaro flew over the Ministries Esplanade and the Three Powers Square. During the flight, the President published a video showing his view from the helicopter, focused on the rally.

After a few minutes, the helicopter landed on the building adjacent to the Planalto Palace, and Bolsonaro walked to the Three Powers Square.

Bolsonaro reached the rally on foot and wearing a mask. Then he took off his mask, waved at the demonstrators, shook hands with supporters, and even hugged some. In at least two instances, the President also carried children in his arms.

The event caused a crowd, and many people were not wearing masks against the directions of health authorities amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

A Federal District government decree establishes that individuals violating the social isolation rules can be admonished, fined, and charged with the crime of violation of preventive health measures.

There is yet another local government decree that provides for a fine of R$2,000 (US$361.4) for anyone who violates the rule of wearing a mask in public places. In case of recurrence, the amount doubles to R$4,000, according to the decree.

Shortly before the event, Bolsonaro published a picture of the Law of Abuse of Authority on social media.

In the picture, the following text was published: “To disclose a recording or an excerpt and recording unrelated to the evidence intended to be produced, exposing the intimacy or private life or injuring the honor or image of the individual being investigated or accused: penalty – detention from one to four years”.

Last Friday, Supreme Court Justice (STF) Celso de Mello lifted the confidentiality of the April 22nd cabinet meeting recording, pointed out by ex-Minister Sérgio Moro as evidence that the President tried to interfere in the Federal Police.

There was someone at the rally with a banner that read: “Down with the STF dictatorship”.

During this Sunday’s event, Bolsonaro was escorted by some allies, among them the Ministers of Institutional Security, Augusto Heleno, and Citizenship, Onyx Lorenzoni, and Federal Deputy Carla Zambelli.

Bolsonaro has been attending pro-government demonstrations every weekend. At all times, he opposes the advice of health authorities, either not wearing a mask, or greeting supporters and joining the crowds.

Cabinet meeting

The visit to this Sunday’s rally occurs two days after Justice Celso de Mello lifted the confidentiality of the April 22nd cabinet meeting recording.

The recording is pointed out by Moro as evidence that Bolsonaro tried to politically interfere in the Federal Police, which the President denies. The video was included in the inquiry investigating the case.

At the meeting, Bolsonaro said he could change the “security” in Rio de Janeiro. According to Moro, the President was referring to the Federal Police Superintendence in the state. Bolsonaro has said he was only referring to his personal security team.

Still at the meeting, Bolsonaro looked at Moro when he said he would “interfere” in the Ministries and not at Augusto Heleno, Minister of Institutional Security, responsible for the President’s security.

As reported by ‘Jornal Nacional’ (Evening News), rather than dismissing the head of the Rio de Janeiro security team, Bolsonaro promoted him.

Source: G1

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