At least 400 people were arrested this Sunday in Brasilia for having invaded and destroyed Congress, the Planalto Palace (government seat) and the Federal Supreme Court (STF) during the demonstration by thousands of followers of former President Jair Bolsonaro who were seeking a military coup to overthrow President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, it was officially reported.
“I come to report that more than 400 people were arrested and will pay for the crimes committed, we are working to identify those who participated in the terrorist acts”, assured the governor of BrasiliaIbaneis Rocha.
The detainees were taken to the headquarters of the Civil Police (investigations) in Brasilia after Rocha fired the capital’s Security Secretary, Anderson Torres, former Bolsonaro Justice Minister, accused of liberating the area.
Rocha is an ally of Bolsonaro and this Sunday he apologized to Lula for the attempted coup.
Coup d’état attempt in Brazil: Bolsonarista militants took over the headquarters of the 3 State powers. Lula da Silva decreed the federal intervention of Brasilia. State control of the three federal buildings has already been restored. pic.twitter.com/EyuAcJCL6n
– Public Television (@TV_Publica) January 8, 2023
According to local media, the interior of Congress, the Federal Supreme Court and the Planalto Palace were vacated after an operation that included the shock troops and the launching of tear gas from helicopters, turning Brasilia into a war square. as a result of the action of Bolsonaro’s followers, who are calling for a coup.
The buildings that house the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches were retaken by the police.
Lula decreed the federal intervention for one month of the security of Brasilia.
Among the detainees are 30 people who were captured by the Legislative Police committing excesses within Congress.
For her part, the president of the Federal Supreme Court, Rosa Weber, commenting on the damage to the building of the highest court, assured that the judges “will not be intimidated and will act to sanction the terrorists.”
