Brazilian judiciary tries to prevent police from joining pro-Bolsonaro demos

Bolsonaro during a meeting with Brasília Military Police officers in February. Photo: Anderson Riedel/PR

State-level prosecutors and multiple judges are working to prevent police agents and military officers from breaking the law and joining pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations in Brasília and São Paulo on September 7. Political observers believe that their presence among the president’s ranks would enhance the risks of the events escalating into riots.

A member of Brazil’s second-highest court denied preventive habeas corpus requests for one law enforcement officer and a retired military man to take part in the protests without breaking corporation rules. Meanwhile, prosecutors in six states have called for the monitoring of officers’ behavior to punish transgressions. In Mato Grosso, a military judge warned of “instant and grave consequences” to those who “break hierarchy and behave in a subversive manner.”

Acting politically is a military crime and could see law enforcement agents and members of the Armed Forces jailed.

The fear of confrontation has led the Supreme Court to call an optional holiday on Monday, September 6. In Congress, the Senate’s Covid hearings will not hold sessions and governors are ordering the police to carry out spot searches to curb the risk of violence.

While the largest events will take place in Brasília and São Paulo, demonstrations both against and in favor of the government are scheduled for all regions of the country.