They investigate “Nazi salute” in rally in favor of Bolsonaro 0:48
(CNN) — Brazilian authorities said they are investigating video of a demonstration in the city of Sao Miguel do Oeste, showing people giving a “Nazi salute”.
The demonstration, which took place in front of a military barracks in the city, appeared to be one of several events organized around military barracks around the country this Wednesday, where supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro have come to protest the results of the second round . presidential candidate. Bolsonaro lost his bid for re-election to leftist leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The video, posted to Twitter, shows a crowd, some carrying the Brazilian flag and others wrapped in it, appearing to perform the Nazi salute as the national anthem is played.
It’s unclear who posted the video, and CNN hasn’t been able to verify its authenticity.
Inciting Nazis is considered a crime in Brazil. The federal prosecutor’s office for the state of Santa Catarina said in its statement that it is already working to “identify the persons who gave the Nazi salute at the allegedly democratic and peaceful rallies”.
“Once they are identified, a report will be prepared and the information will be sent to the public prosecutor’s office for the accountability of those involved,” said prosecutor Marcela de Jesús Fernandes.
CNN has reached out to Bolsonaro’s office for comment.
Brazilian authorities will investigate the video. @CentralEleicoes/Twiiter
The Brazilian-Israeli Confederation, a Brazilian Jewish organization, made a statement to describe the picture as “disgusting”.
“Brazilian society cannot tolerate such gestures. Making this gesture with the Brazilian team jersey is also an insult to our armed forces who fought valiantly against Nazi troops in Europe during WWII,” the organization tweeted.
In addition to Bolsonaro supporters calling for “federal intervention” outside Brazil’s military headquarters, protesters across the country have also blocked roads and highways since the election results were announced.
On Tuesday, Brazil’s Supreme Court judge ordered the military police to intervene and clear the streets.
On Wednesday – a day after Bolsonaro spoke publicly for the first time since the results were announced and said he would uphold the constitution – Brazil’s highway police reported that 149 partial or full road closures remained in place.
Santa Catarina – a state that largely supports Bolsonaro – and Mato Grosso are among the regions hardest hit by the protesters’ roadblocks.