RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro protested at the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasilia on Tuesday (7/9). The demonstration in the federal capital brings together people from different parts of Brazil.
The group’s main demands are the adoption of printed ballots and the dismissal of the ministers of the Supreme Court (STF).
➡️ Bolsonaristas arrancam grades e arremessam objetos no @ItamaratyGovBr.
Manifestantes defendem presidente @jairbolsonaro. Grupo rompeu bloqueio da @pmdfoficial ainda na madrugada desta terça (7/9).
Leia: https://t.co/4hsqwCKnTl pic.twitter.com/kLzjLBOQCj
— Metrópoles (@Metropoles) September 7, 2021
The president flew over the Esplanade by helicopter, paraded through the streets in an open pickup truck, and then said to supporters that “[The judiciary] may suffer, something that we don’t want.”
Bolsonaro also stated that he should meet with the Council of the Republic on Wednesday (8/9). It falls to the council to pronounce on federal intervention, state of defense and state of siege, and issues relevant to the stability of democratic institutions.
Demonstrators tried to get past the police barrier set up at the Itamaraty Palace. The group ripped off the security guards and threw objects against the building.
Before meeting the protesters, Bolsonaro participated in a flag hoisting ceremony with ministers and former president and senator Fernando Collor at the Alvorada Palace. The first lady, Michelle Bolsonaro, and the vice president of Brazil, Hamilton Mourão (PRTB), were also present.
The ceremony commemorated the 199th anniversary of Brazil’s Independence. In the first speech, the president said that he would not admit that “other people play outside the four lines” of the Constitution.
7 de Setembro em Brasília: manifestantes tentaram passar a barreira policial montada no Itamaraty nesta manhã. Houve princípio de tumulto Vídeo: Rafaela Felicciano/Metrópoles pic.twitter.com/z92bEahWc8
— Metrópoles (@Metropoles) September 7, 2021
ACTS
The Military Police of the Federal District (PMDF) used pepper spray to contain protesters on Tuesday morning (7/9) at the Esplanade of Ministries. A group tried to break the blockade set up near the Federal Supreme Court (STF). Isolation fences were torn down, and there was confusion. Despite the conflict, no one was injured.
Since dawn, supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro (no party) have tried unsuccessfully to approach the STF. At 4:30 in the morning, a group of Bolsonaristas crowded in front of the barrier of 50 police officers. Street vendors, however, remained in place selling products such as flags, water, and T-shirts.