The Moment Brazil's Congress Became a 'War Zone' for the First Time in 38 Years... "Strict Punishment Will Follow"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yoo-jin] Brazilian investigative authorities have detained or arrested more than 1,600 people in connection with the riot that occurred in the capital, Brasilia. Authorities are focusing on the possibility that former President Jair Bolsonaro incited the protesters, escalating the conflict into violence, suggesting that the political repercussions are likely to grow. Attention is also on whether Brazilian authorities will request the extradition of former President Bolsonaro, who is currently staying in the United States.

On the 9th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that 1,200 people involved in the riot at the Congress, Presidential Palace, and Supreme Court, which was instigated by supporters of former Brazilian President Bolsonaro the previous day, have been detained, and about 400 others arrested. According to the NYT, some of these individuals are expected to be charged with attempting to illegally overthrow the government.

Foreign media pointed out that the Congress, regarded as a symbol of democracy after the end of military dictatorship 38 years ago, was turned into a battlefield. The mob-like protesters attacked police with tear gas spray, jumped over barriers to enter the legislative building, and broke windows, trampling on democracy for nearly five hours.

After losing the presidential election last October, Bolsonaro’s extreme supporters camped outside the military headquarters for over 60 days in silence, demanding Bolsonaro’s return to power and a military coup. Police plan to expand investigations to those active in the camp as well.

President Luiz Lula, who faced the unrest just one week after his inauguration, called the rioters "fascists" and declared that the federal government would intervene in the situation by the end of this month. The federal government is also reportedly examining the flow of funds supporting the mobilization of the large-scale protesters.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The three main branches of Brazil issued a joint statement on the day, defining the protests in Brasilia as terrorism and a coup, and promised to hold those involved strictly accountable.

President Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva, Acting Senate President Veneziano Vital do R?go, House Speaker Arthur Lira, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Rosa Weber, in a joint statement, emphasized, "Our republic, which protects democracy and the constitution, rejects the perpetrators of terrorism, property damage, and coup attempts that occurred in Brasilia."

They added, "We have agreed to work together for subsequent legal measures" and stressed, "We will strive to maintain social peace to protect the homeland’s peace and democracy."

Former President Bolsonaro, suspected to be behind the riot, has been staying in Florida, USA, since the end of last year. According to local media, he was hospitalized in a hospital in Orlando, Florida, the day before the riot. Bloomberg reported that Bolsonaro was recently seen at restaurants and grocery stores in Orlando.

In U.S. political circles, voices are growing that the United States should not become a refuge for criminals and that former President Bolsonaro should be deported. The Brazilian government has not yet issued an official stance regarding its extradition request.

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor accompanying President Joe Biden on his visit to Mexico for the North American Leaders' Summit, told reporters that the U.S. government has not had direct contact with former President Bolsonaro and therefore has no information about him.

Sullivan said, "If we receive such a (extradition) request, we will handle it as we always do. We will take the request seriously," suggesting the possibility of reviewing the extradition. However, Sullivan did not comment on the type of visa held by former President Bolsonaro, nor did he elaborate on whether deportation could occur without a request from the Brazilian government.

Earlier, former President Bolsonaro denied the charges on Twitter, saying, "There is no evidence." He added, "What happened today, and what the left did in 2013 and 2017 by invading and looting public buildings, is out of the rules," and stated, "(I) respect and protect the law, democracy, transparency, and our sacred freedom."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.