What has happened in Brazil?
On 8th January 2023, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attacked the country’s capital building in Brasilia. During the riots, the supporters fought with the police.
Reports say that the protestors broke police barriers and destroyed the building's windows and furniture. The police used rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas to keep the crowd under control. Later, the Brazilian army helped in retaking many buildings from the protestors.
What was the reason for the riots?
Protesters had asked the military to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. Some supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro claimed that the October 2022 election was rigged, although they provided no proof.
For years, Bolsonaro has said that the Brazilian election system is corrupt. However, it has not been proven. President Lula said that the false claims encouraged the attack.
What was the reaction to the riots?
The goal of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as president was to unite the country. The riots show that the country's divisions are deeper than many believed.
The president allowed the government to use whatever steps necessary to restore order in the capital. He has said that the government will investigate anyone who may have supported the riots and take proper action against them.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro criticised the protests and said that they should have remained peaceful. Many of those who took part in the rioting were also arrested.
What did we learn from this article?
From this article, it is important to take the lesson that in a democracy, people have the right to protest and share their opinions. However, such protests must not turn violent. Peaceful protests are the best way to show public opinion to a government.
Let’s hope that the situation in Brazil improves and the country is soon united as one!
