Bolsonaro is laying the foundations of a new dictatorship

A new law giving security forces immunity from prosecution does not bode well for Brazil's democracy.
Raphael Tsavkko Garcia by Raphael Tsavkko Garcia
2 hours ago



Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro attends a ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil December 10, 2019 [Adriano Machado/Reuters]

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who was elected last year on a ticket to reduce crime, end corruption and strengthen the economy through conservative policies, has long been accused of posing a serious threat to human rights and rule of law in the country.

Indeed, since taking office in January this year, the former army officer repeatedly pursued anti-democratic policies, expressed dictatorial desires and attempted to stifle dissent through intimidation. His government incited its supporters to pressure the judiciary to issue verdicts in accordance with its wishes and attempted to silence media organisations and universities critical of its policies.

The president also waged a war on environmentalists under the pretext of development and put Brazil's indigenous communities at risk by threatening their livelihoods and condoning the attacks against them. Late last month, a group of Brazilian lawyers and former ministers requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate Bolsonaro, claiming he incites his followers to commit genocide against indigenous people.

Bolsonaro's most significant attack on the rule of law and human rights in Brazil, however, came on November 21 in the form of a bill aimed at expanding protections for soldiers and police officers who kill while on Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO) missions.

More:
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/bolsonaro-laying-foundations-dictatorship-191209153455904.html

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