On Tuesday (26/12), Justice and Public Security Ministry executive secretary Ricardo Cappelli said that he ordered the Federal Police (PF) to investigate a threat made to President Lula (PT) on social media. Even though the case is, so far, according to investigations, only an online threat with no real plans in the background, it is another one among many detected by law enforcement throughout the year.
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The Last Case and Others
Cappelli’s request to open an investigation was made after the posting of a news report by deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL) entitled “Lula Confirms New Year’s Eve on ‘private beach’ controlled by the Armed Forces”. On that post, an individual suggested organizing a “fundraiser” to finance a mercenary.
In January, the Federal Police had already arrested a man red-handed in Boa Vista (RR) suspected of encouraging violence against Lula. The man reportedly commented in a publication about Lula’s visit to the state, on January 21, that “it would be time to put the bullet in his head.”
In August, the PF arrested a farmer in Santarém, Pará, suspected of saying he would shoot the PT member when he visited the city.
8 January and Act in Celebration of Democracy
On the same date of the announcement, Cappelli also held a meeting with those responsible for security from all Powers to discuss the planning of an event scheduled for 8 January, in Brasilia, when the coup attack against the Three Powers Plaza will complete one year. The event will be held to celebrate democracy, Lula, the Senate and Federal Chamber presidents and other main political leaders will attend it.
According to the secretary, the government is attentive to monitoring groups that may promote demonstrations during the event, but they claim that there is, so far, no reason for major concerns.
Analysis:
The incident possibly indicates that the context of political animosity remains, and that the consecutive episodes of political violence could burst once more, just like in the past year. This scenario gains particular momentum in 2024, the year in which the municipal elections will take place.
