In Brazil, over $20,000 raised in online campaign to finance Rousseff's trips

An online campaign was launched today (Jun. 29) by two of suspended President Rousseff's friends from the military dictatorship period to cover the costs of her trips on Brazilian Air Force (FAB) airplanes.

Early in June, acting President Michel Temer limited Rousseff's use of FAB aircrafts to trips between Brasília and the southern city Porto Alegre, where her family lives. This week, however, the federal court of Rio Grande do Sul state allowed Rousseff to use the planes in trips across the country, provided costs are refunded by the president herself or her Workers' Party (PT).

The idea was conceived by Guiomar Silva Lopes and Maria Celeste Martins, who oppose the president's ouster. The initiative was dubbed Jornada pela Democracia – Todos por Dilma (Portuguese for “A Journey for Democracy – All for Dilma”), and aims to raise $150 thousand by August, when the Senate is set to vote on the suspended president's impeachment case.

Acknowledgment

In addition to having their names listed on Rousseff's website, those who contribute with more than $3 are promised an official photo digitally autographed a thank you video.

In the introduction video for the campaign, Celeste Martins says she met Rousseff in 1969 under persecution. Guiomar Lopes, in turn, has known her since 1970, when Rousseff was arrested and tortured by military agents. Guiomar says Dilma Rousseff is one of the most upright people she knows, and that “the coercive measures taken against President Rousseff are outrageous and illegal. How can a government like this strip away all of the president's rights, including her right to transport?” Guiomar asks.

Donations are only accepted from natural persons living in Brazil. According to the website, 13% of the amount will be sent to the platform itself, 4% will be used to pay taxes, and the remainder 83% will be used to afford Rousseff's trips. Figures will be made available on www.dilma.com.br, in Portuguese.

Rousseff's press office welcomed the initiative taken by her friends.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira