Demonstration for freedom fills Avenida Paulista in front of Masp

A demonstration filled a section of Avenida Paulista, in front of the São Paulo Museum of Art (Masp), in the center of São Paulo, on Sunday afternoon (26). The protesters, most of whom wore yellow green or carried Brazilian flags, had as their main agenda the defense of freedom, the Democratic Rule of Law and human rights. There were also tributes to Cleriston Pereira da Cunha. Clezão, as he was called, died in Papuda prison. He was one of those arrested for the acts of January 8th.

Deputies and senators such as Magno Malta (PL-ES), Marcos Pontes (PL-SP), Jorge Seif (PL-SC), Bia Kicis (PL-DF), Coronel Tadeu (PL-SP), Marcel van Hattem (Novo- RS), Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG), Gustavo Gayer (PL-GO) were present at the demonstration. Despite appearing in a video calling for the event, released in recent days, former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) did not participate in the event held in São Paulo.

Protesters gathered in front of the São Paulo Museum of Art (Masp), filling both lanes of Avenida Paulista. At times, the protesters shouted slogans such as “Bolsonaro back”, “Lula, a thief, you belong in prison”, “our flag will never be red” and “Xandão out”. In their speeches, parliamentarians called for justice in the case of those arrested for the acts of January 8, especially the death of Cleriston, and criticized the ministers of the Federal Supreme Court (STF). “Alexandre de Moraes, Brazil is not afraid of you”, said deputy Nikolas, who also asked for applause in honor of Cleriston.

Bolsonaro thanks demonstration

Despite not having participated in the event on Avenida Paulista, Bolsonaro used his social networks to thank who he called his leader, pastor Silas Malafaia, and the people present at the demonstration. He also remembered Cleriston’s death.

“In the name of the leader @PastorMalafaia I congratulate everyone who participated in the beautiful demonstration for democracy, as well as for the tribute to the unforgettable Clériston Pereira da Cunha”, said Bolsonaro in his post.

The former president also said that “the Democratic Rule of Law is not guaranteed through empty words, forceful or arbitrary measures, but through acts and gestures of respect for the Constitution, laws, family and life.”