Published 8 September 2020 (3 hours 53 minutes ago)
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro Monday glorified dictatorship during his speech at the Independence Day ceremony, something that stirred up social unrest in several cities.
By saying that "the blood of Brazilians has always been shed for freedom," the far-right politician wistfully recalled the military coup that inaugurated the authoritarian regime that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. During that period, however, the only blood spilled was that of progressive social, intellectual, religious, and political leaders.
"In the 1960s, when the shadow of communism threatened us, millions of Brazilians identified with national desires to preserve democratic institutions," he said.
"They took to the streets against a country taken by ideological radicalization, strikes, social disorder, and widespread corruption."
. . .
In Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janerio, citizens reacted to his anti-democratic speech by shouting words such as "fascist", "corrupt", and "assassin". Anti-government protesters and Bolsonaro supporters clashed in several cities.
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/brazil-bolsonaro-praises-dictatorship-at-national-celebration--20200908-0010.html