The actions, programmed by President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) on the occasion of September 7, have alerted foreign governments and international organizations to the risk of political violence. The column found that even a crisis cell in foreign bodies was set up in Brazil to monitor events in the coming days, while embassies of other countries did not exclude triggering security protocols on their national territory.
At the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), Brazilian activists and non-governmental organizations were informed by the regional body’s presidency that a team was constantly monitoring events in Brazil, particularly in light of the call to action by Bolsonaro’s supporters. wednesday. fair.
Colombian Pedro Vaca, rapporteur on freedom of expression to the Commission for the Americas, also recently made a public statement of his concern about the situation in Brazil. “In the framework of the beginning of the election campaign period in Brazil, he received reports from this office about the deepening of political polarization and its impact on public debate,” he warned.
IACHR received information about speeches aimed at questioning the electoral process and the legitimacy of democratic institutions without providing verified or verifiable information, speeches that could increase or support discrimination and violence, and demonstrations that would question the appropriateness of judicial decisions. or this would have the potential to encourage the denial of election results without presenting conclusive evidence on which they are based,” he said.
According to the commission, “the right to freedom of expression has limits,” even during election periods. “In particular, those who hold public office and candidates for public office are urged to ensure the integrity and quality of their public consultations and to ensure that their statements do not inflame tensions associated with the elections or have the potential to undermine people’s rights,” he added, adding Bolsonaro’s name. without mention.
The situation at the UN is also the monitoring of the situation in Brazil. Before leaving her post as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights earlier this week, Chile’s Michelle Bachelet expressed her concern at the provocations of Bolsonarista groups and authorities to use September 7 as a show of force.
However, he chose to question the president. In response, the Brazilian government sent a letter complaining about his comments. In Brazil, the agency will monitor developments with a particular focus on potential human rights violations.
Image: DEIVIDI CORREA/ESTADÃO CONTEÚDO
Concerns in other countries
But the concern also extends to foreign governments. In Europe, capitals have recently received confidential telegrams warning that history must be “tense” and that there will be a potentially pivotal moment in the Brazilian election.
Several foreign governments have already made clear that they are dissatisfied with Bolsonaro’s behavior a month ago to summon ambassadors from other countries in an event that turned into an attack on the Brazilian electoral system.
Itamaraty invited foreign embassies in Brazil to attend the events. But that didn’t stop them from starting internal discussions to trigger safety protocols should violence erupt on September 7.
For security reasons, as well as for diplomatic reasons, the embassies have refrained from talking publicly about the attempt to impose precautionary measures.
Some governments, however, draw attention to the fact that in August the US government issued a warning to its citizens in Brazil amid tensions in the coming days.
“The first round of the Brazilian national elections is scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 2022, nationwide,” the statement sent to all Americans residing in Brazil said. “Protests are expected across the country before and during the elections. While we expect the elections to pass relatively calmly in most parts of the country, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil remind American Citizens to be vigilant and be aware of any incidents around and roadways are closing,” they warn.
In the face of tension, the US Embassy in Brazil “warns American citizens to avoid the vicinity of protests and demonstrations, because even seemingly peaceful demonstrations can turn into conflict”. Among the proposals, the Joe Biden government is urging its citizens to “preserve discretion” in Brazil.
source: Noticias
