Freedom to demonstrate inherent to democracies, says government
Demonstrations against corruption, against the government and for Rousseff's impeachment were slated to take place in over 500 cities across the country
The office of presidential communications (SECOM) issued a statement Sunday evening (Mar. 13) saying that “freedom of expression is inherent to a democracy” and should be respected by all.
“The peaceful nature of the demonstrations that took place Sunday shows the maturity of a nation that is able to coexist with different opinions and ensure its laws and institutions are respected,” it read.
The statement was released following President Dilma Rousseff's meeting with Chief of Staff Jaques Wagner, Government Secretary Ricardo Berzoini, Attorney-General José Eduardo Cardozo, and the head of presidential communications, Edinho Silva, at the presidential residence, Palácio da Alvorada, to discuss the anti-government demonstrations that had taken place on Sunday in several states.
Protests on Sunday
Demonstrations against corruption, against the government and for Rousseff's impeachment were slated to take place in over 500 cities across the country. Most of them were organized by such movements as Vem pra Rua and Movimento Brasil Livre.
Pro-Rousseff and pro-Lula events also took place in Rio de Janeiro, São Bernardo do Campo (São Paulo) and Porto Alegre. In Brasília, a demonstration called by the ruling Workers' Party (PT) had been due to take place on Sunday morning, but it was called off after the federal government invoked constitutional provisions that forbid concurring public outdoor events at the same place.
The Central Workers' Union (CUT) has announced a countrywide demonstration for democracy to take place on March 18.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Freedom to demonstrate inherent to democracies, says government
