The protests against Lula’s election remain in front of military barracks across the country. The acts began right after the elections second round, which took place on 31 October, and kept through the month of November. Initially the movement had the support of truck owners, who stopped their vehicles on several federal roads across the country, making blockades. However, after the repression by the judiciary, which fined the protesters, and ordered the dispersion of the acts, only the demonstrations near the Armed Forces facilities remained.
Presence of Armed Forces’ Members
During the last week, active members of the Armed Forces have been seen taking part in the protests that demand a military coup to prevent Lula from taking office. Some have even recorded videos of themselves in the demonstrations and made threats to kill political opponents from the Workers’ Party (PT).
The behavior, liable to be punished as a disciplinary transgression, was already a matter of concern at the military leadership. The Army commander, Marco Antônio Freire Gomes, advised his subordinates not to get involved with the demonstrations. In addition to not repressing them with the use of force, they also should not encourage the demonstrators.
Violence
Acts of violence continue to be recorded. On 25 November, a news team that was covering the protests in front of the Academia Militar das Agulhas Negras (Aman), in Resende, Rio de Janeiro state, was attacked by demonstrators. The journalists were physically assaulted and had equipment taken from them.
A Response from the Opposition
Senator Renan Calheiros announced that he will present a bill in response to the acts that demand a military coup and do not accept the elections result. Among the proposals is the punishment of up to four years in prison for those who obstruct public roads with the aim of contesting the electoral result declared by the TSE. Renan’s bill establishes the same penalties for public officials who, called upon to clear public roads, fail to act or delay their action. For example, journalists and politicians criticized the PRF for not acting to prevent the protest on the roads since the first day.
