Brazil's political rivals unite to oppose Bolsonaro and 'defend life, freedom and democracy' amid sp [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Supreme court justice compares risk to democracy with Hitler’s Germany as Congress Speaker mulls impeachment proceedings

Andy Gregory
7 hours ago

Prominent Brazilians from across the political spectrum have launched a manifesto urging officials to shield the country from its increasingly authoritarian president Jair Bolsonaro and the fallout from his dismissive approach to the coronavirus crisis.

As Brazil’s official Covid-19 death toll surpassed that of France on Saturday, the Movimento Estamos Juntos (We Are Together Movement) published its manifesto in multiple newspapers, with 1,600 initial signatories pledging to put aside political divisions to resist Mr Bolsonaro.

Over 100,000 people have now put their names to the document, which urges elected officials to “set aside old disputes” and mobilise in defence of “life, freedom and democracy”, demanding leaders “exercise their role with dignity in the face of the devastating health, political and economic crisis”.

The following day, Mr Bolsonaro rode on horseback with his supporters to protest against Congress and the Supreme Court, which is investigating his interference in police affairs.

His fury was compounded last week after several of his key supporters’ homes were raided over alleged libel and intimidation campaigns, prompting Mr Bolsonaro to make an expletive-laden appearance outside his residence wearing a tie decorated with assault rifles.

More:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-coronavirus-protests-manifesto-court-estamos-juntos-a9542971.html