Commentary
Peacefully protesting against a controversial election is now a serious crime in Brazil, with sentences of up to 15 years or more. At least 1,200 people have been detained as part of the dismantling of a protester camp in Brasília, Brazil, on Jan. 9.
They have been charged with the “crime” of being camped in front of the army headquarters, believing they were protected by it, and manifesting themselves for freedom and democracy. And yet, hundreds of police in riot gear and some on horseback amassed at the encampment while army soldiers in the area withdrew.
Since Oct. 30 last year, thousands of Brazilians had camped outside the army headquarters in Brasilia, demanding the cancellation of a presidential election in which far-left candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva came to narrowly defeat Jair Bolsonaro….