Brazilians took to the streets in Sao Paulo and Brasilia for rival demonstrations on Sunday for and against President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been broadly criticized over his response to the Corona Virus pandemic.
Hundreds of individuals banging drums and setting off flares marched by the capital to denounce the far-right president.
Demonstrators, many wearing black and sporting face masks, held banners saying: “Everyone for democracy”, “Against racism and fascism” and “Terrorism is the federal government’s coverage of extermination.”
It was the primary demonstration against Bolsonaro in Brasilia because the pandemic started.
“Get again fascist, get again, standard energy is within the streets,” chanted protesters.
Bolsonaro has triggered controversy throughout an extended political profession, after leaving the military with feedback many deemed racist, homophobic or sexist.
At the identical time, a smaller protest happened in assist of Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly tried to downplay the specter of the novel Corona Virus.
His supporters commonly reveal on the weekend within the coronary heart of Brasilia’s authorities district and have demanded an finish to lockdown measures, railing against the Supreme Court and Congress.
Bolsonaro typically attends the rallies.
Police supplied a cordon to maintain the rival demonstrations aside.
Separate protests have been additionally deliberate in Sao Paulo, together with one by soccer supporters and social organizations to demand “democracy.”
Regional authorities have pleaded with organizers to maintain the 2 aside to keep away from clashes.
Last weekend, Sao Paulo witnessed its first demonstration against the nationwide authorities.
Supporters of two of the town’s most prestigious soccer groups — Corinthians and Palmeiras, whose rivalry is without doubt one of the fiercest in world soccer — joined forces “against fascism.”
They clashed with Bolsonaro supporters demanding an finish to lockdown measures and needed to be dispersed by police, who fired tear fuel and stun grenades.
Tensions are operating excessive in Brazil, which has recorded greater than 600,000 Corona Virus instances and 35,000 deaths from COVID-19.
Bolsonaro has commonly attacked state authorities over regional lockdown measures and this weekend got here beneath fireplace for ceasing to report Brazil’s complete variety of instances and deaths, whereas additionally pushing again the day by day report of the most recent figures by 5 hours.
