Demonstrators Protest Against Corruption in Brazil

12/05/2016 - 10h42

Demonstrators protested in favor of Operation Lava Jato and against corruption on Paulista Avenue, in São Paulo, on Sunday (4).

The majority wore green or yellow, and many held up signs and yelled "Out with Renan," in reference to Senate President Renan Calheiros (PMDB).

According to the MBL (Free Brazil Movement), one of the groups behind the protest, 200,000 people were present. The Military Police reported 15,000 attendees. The protest began to draw people around 14h30 and ended around 19h.

In a speech delivered from the MBL car, one of the leaders of the group, Fernando Holiday, said the protest was outside of the party system.

"Whether they are PSDB, PMDB, or PT the people are tired," said Holiday, who was elected city councilor in São Paulo by the DEM in October and assumes office next month. "Let's go back to the streets until they show some shame."

Aside from Calheiros, the president of the Lower House, Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ), was also a target.

Calheiros and Maia said the protests are legitimate and that Congress is open to dialogue with society.

Many signs and the chants that boomed from cars expressed support for the Judiciary, viewing it as a beacon of hope to manage and combat corruption in Brazil.

As was the case during the protests in favor of President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment, supporters of the military's return to power also made themselves known. They sang the National Anthem and held signs calling for intervention.

Earlier, protests also took place in at least seven other states (Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Bahia, Alagoas, Pará and Amazonas) and the Federal District.

Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ

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