Crackdown call criticised

A son of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro faced criticism yesterday after suggesting the Government adopt dictatorship-era tactics if they are deemed necessary to control any street protests.

Lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro said protests and riots of the kind that have occurred in several other Latin American countries could be stopped if they ever happen in Brazil.

In comments broadcast yesterday on social media, the President’s son recommended a decree similar to one issued in 1968 by Brazil’s military dictatorship. The decree stripped opposition lawmakers of political rights and suspended some constitutional guarantees.

Eduardo Bolsonaro said the decree could be introduced “if the left radicalises to that point”.

Eduardo Bolsonaro is the leader of his father’s Social Liberal Party in Congress’ lower house.

Politicians from all sides, as well as a Supreme Court justice, repudiated the comments as anti-democratic. President Bolsonaro said in a televised interview he regretted his son’s comments, and Eduardo Bolsonaro later apologised.

Still, a sprinkling of protesters gathered yesterday on Sao Paulo’s main street to oppose the far-right Government. Leftist groups have organised 16 protests in 11 states, starting with Sao Paulo and Brasilia.

“I am here to fight for democracy. This country is going the wrong way,” said Joyce Fernandes, a law student. “I want to see this country say there will never be a dictatorship again. There is just too much, I am fed up.”