More than 1,200 supporters of right-wing ex-President Jair Bolsonaro were arrested after several places of power were looted in Brazil. Images of these riots went around the world and excited the Brazilian community of Sherbrooke.
Councilwoman Fernanda Luz worries for her family as violence rages in her home country. “I’ve been talking to you since last night. We slept badly last night,” the Carrefour councilor said on Monday.
Hundreds of supporters of far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro stormed the Three Powers Square in Brasilia on Sunday. “It’s a total killing spree. We destroyed everything,” said independent journalist Serge Boire, who is in Brazil.
In addition, the pictures have gone around the world and are reminiscent of the events in the American Capitol two years ago. “The big difference from what happened in the United States is that here there was political support and police officers were there who supported and encouraged,” Serge added.
In addition, many accuse former President Bolsonaro of complicity. “He strongly supports what happened, so it’s no coincidence at all that he’s in Florida now with his friend Donald Trump,” said Bruce Gilbert, a professor of philosophy at Bishop’s University.
Brazilians worry about their democracy. Many of them lived under the dictatorial regime of the 1960s-1980s and do not want to return to a similar regime. “It puts things in perspective. I like doing politics in a country where there is space for debating ideas,” emphasizes Fernanda Luz.
In addition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced these attacks on democracy in a joint statement with the US and Mexican Presidents. On Monday, heads of state joined forces to condemn attacks on democracy and support Brazil.
Fernanda Luz hopes that peace will soon return to her country of origin. The Supreme Court reacted quickly and looters are now being held accountable for their actions. However, the next few weeks will be crucial for Brazilian democracy.