Military leaders in Brazil criticize curbs on protesters’ rights

The commanders of the three Armed Forces (Air Force, Army, and Navy) released a statement today (Nov. 11) condemning both what they term “possible restrictions on the rights” of citizens criticizing public officials and “possible excesses committed” by protesters who do not accept the outcome of the presidential elections.

Signed by Admiral Almir Garnier Santos (Navy), General Marco Antônio Freire Gomes (Army), and Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior (Air Force), the note shared on social media cites a law in force since 2021 to covertly oppose the court rulings ordering the withdrawal of demonstrators protesting near barracks in several cities for two weeks now.

“Expressing criticism of the constitutional powers, doing journalistic work, and claiming constitutional rights and guarantees through rallies, meetings, strikes, gatherings, or any other form of political expression with social purposes […] must not be considered a crime,” the commanders stated, adding that the Armed Forces are committed to democracy as well as political and social harmony.