Pro- and anti-government demonstrations take place in several cities

In Brasília, there were new protests against President Rousseff and

Publicado em 18/03/2016 - 11:03 Por Agência Brasil - Brasília

In Brasília, anti-government protests were concentrated in front of Palácio do Planalto, the seat of the president's office  - Agência Brasil

Around 3,000 people according to police protested in front of Palácio do Planalto, the seat of the president's office on Thursday evening (Mar. 17), asking for the resignation of President Dilma Rousseff'. They remained outside the presidential palace for about an hour, carrying banners, posters, Brazil flags, and wearing national football jerseys. At several moments they were chanting slogans and the cry, “Dilma Resign Now”.

In Rio de Janeiro, a demonstration calling for the impeachment of Rousseff and the resignation of president Lula as Chief of Staff was concentrated mainly in Cinelândia, a central area in the city, bringing together about 200 people, according to police.

Business administrator Rodrigo Vitor da Fonseca, 26, who has been in several of these rallies, said he was there to protest against corruption. “We want an end to corruption, whatever the party. We want all [the corrupt politicians] out, with no exceptions. I am here as a Brazilian citizen. I'm not vouching for any political party whatsoever. What I do advocate is an ouster of all criminals,” he said.

Manifestação contra Dilma e Lula ocupa avenida litorânea no Recife

In Recife, Pernambuco, a demonstration against Rousseff and Lula occupied a beachfront avenueSumaia Villela/Agência Brasil

In Recife, Pernambuco, a demonstration against the ruling Workers' Party (PT), President Rousseff and Lula occupied the beachfront avenue in the district of Boa Viagem , a higher-class area in the city. The group, which was much smaller than the crowd that gathered there on Sunday (13), was calling for jail to the former president with posters, banners, and inflatable dolls of Lula in convict dress.

In Salvador, Bahia, anti-government protesters gathered at the Farol da Barra, a well-known city landmark. They were carrying banners and posters with messages of support for Sérgio Moro, the lower court judge in charge of the Operation Car Wash corruption case.

The rally began in the late afternoon, in front of the Federal Police building. Some of the police commissioners left the building to greet the protesters, who sang the National Anthem. From there, they marched to the Farol da Barra. According to military police, there were about 200 people in the protest.

There was also a night vigil in support for the government yesterday in front of the rector's office at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). The demonstration was called by the Frente Brasil Popular of Bahia, “in support for democracy”. It was joined by members of the Central Union of Brazil's Working Men and Women (CTB), the National Student Union (UNE), and other activist organizations. 

Vigília em apoio ao governo em frente à reitoria da Universidade Federal da Bahia

In Salvador, Bahia, there was a night vigil in support for the government in front of the Rector's office of the Federal University of BahiaReitoria/UFBA

“This vigil is against the coup and the attempt to impose Rousseff's impeachment, as she has no history of criminal activity. We want to show that students, faculty, staff and social movements say no to the coup and will stand up for a stronger democracy,” said Rodger Richer, one of the protesters.


Translated by Mayra Borges


Fonte: Pro- and anti-government demonstrations take place in several cities

Edição: Augusto Queiroz

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