CNN
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Brazilian government said it was investigating a video of a protest in the Brazilian city of Sao Miguel do Oeste, in which people were seen performing “Nazi salutes”.
The protest, which took place in front of a military office in the city, appeared to be one of several held outside military bases on Wednesday as supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protested. the results of Sunday’s presidential election vote. saw Bolsonaro’s reelection bid defeated by former leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The video, posted to Twitter, shows a crowd, some carrying and others wearing Brazilian flags, with many appearing to be performing a Nazi salute as the Brazilian national anthem plays.
It’s unclear who posted the video, and CNN has not been able to verify its authenticity.
Inciting the Nazis is a crime in Brazil. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office for the State of Santa Catarina said in its statement that it was working “to identify those who saluted the Nazis during supposedly peaceful and democratic rallies.”
Prosecutor Marcela de Jesus Fernandes said: “Once identified, a report will be generated and information will be forwarded to the Prosecutor to take charge of those involved.
CNN has reached out to Bolsonaro’s office for comment.
A Brazilian Jewish organization, the Israel Federation of Brazil, released a statement condemning the photo as “disgusting”.
“Brazilian society cannot tolerate gestures like this. Making this gesture while wearing the Brazilian national team jersey is also an insult to our Armed Forces, which fought bravely against Nazi forces in Europe during World War I. two,” the group tweeted.
In addition to Bolsonaro supporters calling for “federal intervention” in front of Brazil’s military headquarters, protesters across the country have blocked roads and highways since the announcement of the election results. .
On Tuesday, a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordered military police to intervene in clearing the way, but blockades continued through Wednesday – a day after Bolsonaro gave his first public address. them since the results were announced, said he would abide by the constitution.
Bolsonaro on Wednesday called on protesters to clear the way in a video released on his official Facebook account, where he also said he was not involved in starting the protests.
“Blocking highways in Brazil undermines people’s right to come and go, that’s what is in our constitution,” Bolsonaro said, adding that “from the start” his government sent “Police Our interstate highway guard comes to unlock” the roads.
“I want to appeal to you, clean up the highways,” said the outgoing leader.
According to the latest Federal Highway Police report, there are now at least 146 partial or total roadblocks on Brazil’s highways. This is down from the more than 320 barrier techniques released earlier this week.
Bolsonaro said that while he understands the legitimate concerns of the protests, “you have to respect the rights of others on the move, beyond affecting our economy.”
“Brazilians are protesting all over Brazil – I know you’re sad, you’re sad. You were expecting something else. I am just as sad as you,” Bolsonaro said.
He encouraged Brazilians to “feel free” to protest and to continue the protests that are taking place in other parts of Brazil, such as in public squares. “I repeat this is part of the democratic game,” Bolsonaro said.
Santa Catarina – a largely pro-Bolsonaro state – and Mato Grosso are among the states most affected by the protesters’ protests.
