(Brasilia) Clashes erupted Monday evening in Brasilia between police and supporters of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro, who were demanding the release of an indigenous leader arrested for inciting “undemocratic” violence, according to an AFP photographer on the spot. .
The unrest broke out outside the police headquarters, after the arrest, on the orders of Federal Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, of cacique José Acacio Serere Xavante for threats and acts of intimidation against “the democratic rule of law “.
The police tried to disperse the demonstrators using tear gas and rubber bullets. The protesters, some armed with sticks, responded by throwing stones, according to the AFP photographer at the scene. Several buses and cars were attacked and set on fire.
PHOTO ADRIANO MACHADO, REUTERS
The unrest broke out in front of the police headquarters, after the arrest, on the orders of the judge of the Federal Supreme Court Alexandre de Moraes, of the cacique José Acacio Serere Xavante.
According to local media, these clashes erupted after protesters attempted to break into police headquarters to free the cacique, who was remanded in custody for ten days.
José Acacio Serere Xavante is accused by the prosecution of having organized several demonstrations “of an anti-democratic nature” in the capital, including in front of the hotel where the left-wing president-designate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is staying.
PHOTO ERALDO PERES, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The police tried to disperse the demonstrators using tear gas and rubber bullets.
According to the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic, Serere Xavante “used his position as cacique” to incite natives and non-natives to “commit violent crimes” against Mr. Lula and magistrates of the Federal Supreme Court.
Mr. Lula received certification on Monday of his election for a third term as President of Brazil, before his inauguration on 1er January.
After the defeat of outgoing far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in the elections, his supporters demonstrated by the thousands for days in front of army barracks, demanding military intervention to prevent Lula’s return to power.