BRASÍLIA, Brazil (AP) — Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) ordered federal deputies to immediately dismantle their camp in Brasília’s Três Powers Square on Friday night, threatening arrest if they refused. The order, issued at the request of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), also extended a ban on new encampments within a one-kilometer radius of the square, the Esplanade of Ministries, and military barracks.
Judicial Clampdown on Protests
The STF minister’s decisive action stemmed from a peaceful protest initiated by Deputy Hélio Lopes, known as “Hélio Negão.” Lopes had set up a tent in front of the STF, observing a “silence strike.” Several other parliamentarians, including Colonel Chrisóstomo, Cavalcante, Cabo Gilberto Silva and Rodrigo da Zaeli, soon joined him. Moraes deemed their mobilization as potentially participating in criminal activity, justifying the immediate withdrawal and arrest order.
- Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the STF ordered the removal of federal deputies from Três Powers Square in Brasília.
- A ban was also placed on new encampments within a 1km radius of key government areas.
- The action was triggered by a protest initiated by Deputy Hélio Lopes, which grew to include other parliamentarians.
- Governor Ibaneis Rocha was involved in negotiations to clear the square peacefully.
- Deputies eventually dismantled their tents peacefully early Saturday morning.
Minister Moraes enacted a strict order to clear federal deputies from Três Powers Square, Brasilia.
Preventing Further Unrest
“To ensure public safety and avoid new criminal events similar to scammer acts that occurred on Jan. 8, 2023, there was a ban on any camp within 1km from the Three Powers Square, Esplanade of Ministries and, obviously, in front of the Armed Forces barracks,” Moraes stated. The order empowered the Federal District Military Police and the Federal Police to act swiftly to remove any deputies who did not comply.
Governor Ibaneis Rocha of the Federal District personally went to the square to negotiate the protesters’ departure. He told a local newspaper, “Let’s try to take it peacefully. If they don’t leave, they will be arrested.” The Secretary of Public Security of the DF, Sandro Avelar, also warned of the potential for the demonstration to escalate, drawing parallels to the events of January 8.
Deputy Colonel Chrisóstomo acknowledged the court order in a video recorded early Saturday. “We received a subpoena, who came the governor of DF personally notify, with the order of the minister — they already know which — so that we could vacate,” he said. He added, “We are obedient, but let’s follow legal advice.” Chrisóstomo emphasized the peaceful nature of their protest, stating, “Our struggle is for freedom. Freedom to our great Bolsonaro leader, and we want to vote the PL of amnesty. It’s all we want.”
The demonstration occurred amid rising institutional tensions. Former President Jair Bolsonaro and some of his former advisors face charges in the Supreme Court for attempted coup. The previous week, Moraes had mandated that Bolsonaro wear an electronic anklet, which had reignited protests among his supporters in Congress. Lopes’s protest, he said, aimed to highlight the “political persecution” against Bolsonaro. However, the act ultimately prompted a strong reaction from Moraes, who has been expanding his control over public demonstrations, viewing even peaceful gatherings as a “threat to institutional order.”
By dawn on Saturday, the deputies had peacefully dismantled their tents and left the square, under the watchful eyes of the police and the National Force.
