“Bye, Bolsonaro,” say activists in giant New York building projection

In seven different languages, a 76-meter-high building in Manhattan, New York, said “goodbye” to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, with a projection of his face alongside several elements denoting controversial moments during his time in office.  

In addition to the head of state’s face, the projection depicted Mr. Bolsonaro’s sons Flávio and Carlos Bolsonaro under the words “criminal family.” The same frame pictured Fabrício Queiroz, a former driver and close advisor of Flávio Bolsonaro and who is alleged to be involved in a money-laundering scheme operated by the president’s eldest son. 

Under the words “Dinheiro vivo, gente morta” (Cash money, dead people), the display shows the image of former police captain Adriano da Nóbrega, killed in 2020 and accused of leading a death squad in Rio de Janeiro and being involved with corruption scandals linked to the Bolsonaro family. 

The activists recalled the assassination of left-wing Rio de Janeiro City Councillor Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes, in March 2018. “Bolsonaro’s neighbor killed Marielle,” read the projection, above a photo of military policeman Ronnie Lessa, the alleged trigger man of Marielle’s execution, who lived on the same street as the president in a Rio de Janeiro gated community. 

The projection in New York was reportedly the work of Brazilian and U.S. activists who, fearing political retaliation, preferred to remain anonymous. Activist group Brazil Matters plans a similar display in Central London later today.

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