BRASILIA, BRA.- The Brazilian authorities spared no effort yesterday to reinforce security after a pamphlet promoting “a mega-protest to regain power” began to circulate on social networks in more than twenty cities in the South American nation. Regardless of the preventive measures taken or not, the supposed uprising was a failure.
Less than 10 protesters showed up for the call on Copacabana beach, In janeiro river; there were more journalists and 29 police vehicles. On the Brasilia esplanade, which is surrounded by federal government buildings, the authorities had designated an area to protest and deployed police and elements of the national guard. Only a couple arrived at the scene, dressed in the same Brazilian soccer team jersey that thousands of protesters wore four days ago.
“We are surprised to be the only ones here today,” said Eunice Carvalho, a 58-year-old housewife who was accompanied by her husband. “People got scared after the arrests, which were excessive.”
In statements to the press hours earlier, the federal government appointee to assume control of the capital’s security said that the police would close the main avenue to traffic, limit pedestrian access with barricades and block all access to the square that was scene of chaos on sunday.
“The right to protest freely will always be respected and cannot be confused with terrorism,” said the official, Ricarado Cappelli.
