The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Brazil braces for new wave of pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations; court ruling effectively suspends the right to protest

Key updates
Photos: Smashed furniture, glass and more inside Brazil’s top court
Brazil supreme court ruling effectively suspends the right to protest
Brazil bolsters security as new pro-Bolsonaro protests expected
Soldiers stand outside the Supreme Federal Court on Jan. 11. Security forces have been increased following the Jan. 8 attacks in Brasilia. (Rafael Vilela/For The Washington Post)
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Updated January 11, 2023 at 5:20 p.m. EST|Published January 11, 2023 at 5:41 a.m. EST
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BRASÍLIA — Brazilians are bracing for a new wave of nationwide protests by supporters of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, days after his followers stormed the Brazilian capital’s Supreme Federal Court, National Congress and presidential office in an apparent hope of overthrowing the government. The latest effort will be seen as a key test of the anti-government movement’s strength after police arrested more than 750 people in connection with Sunday’s attacks. More than 1,500 people were detained.

Government officials ordered security to be ramped up in Brasília, as well as several other major cities, according to a senior official at the justice ministry who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss security details. Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s supreme federal court announced Wednesday that any protesters across the country who obstruct roads or access public buildings will be subject to arrest and fines.

Photos: Smashed furniture, glass and more inside Brazil’s top court
Brazil supreme court ruling effectively suspends the right to protest
Brazil bolsters security as new pro-Bolsonaro protests expected

Here’s what to know

  • Individuals who obstruct roads or “invade” government or publicly owned buildings across the country could be arrested and fined up to 20,000 Brazilian reais, or the U.S. equivalent of more than $3,800, under a ruling by Brazil’s top court. Fines of up to 100,000 reais, or more than $19,200, could apply to businesses that support such protests, either digitally or by providing logistical or financial support.
  • Anderson Torres, Brasília’s top security official who previously served as Bolsonaro’s justice minister, said he would end his vacation early and return home after a top judge approved a warrant for his arrest. Bolsonaro, who is in Florida, also said that he would return to Brazil.
  • Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes also approved an arrest warrant for Col. Fábio Augusto Vieira, commander of the military police in the district, according to a court official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
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Here's what to know:

Individuals who obstruct roads or “invade” government or publicly owned buildings across the country could be arrested and fined up to 20,000 Brazilian reais, or the U.S. equivalent of more than $3,800, under a ruling by Brazil’s top court. Fines of up to 100,000 reais, or more than $19,200, could apply to businesses that support such protests, either digitally or by providing logistical or financial support.
Anderson Torres, Brasília’s top security official who previously served as Bolsonaro’s justice minister, said he would end his vacation early and return home after a top judge approved a warrant for his arrest. Bolsonaro, who is in Florida, also said that he would return to Brazil.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes also approved an arrest warrant for Col. Fábio Augusto Vieira, commander of the military police in the district, according to a court official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

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