Brazil supreme court justice Alexandre de Moraes removed the governor of the country's federal district for 90 days over security flaws that allowed the storming of government buildings on 8 January by former president Jair Bolsonaro's supporters.
Moraes also ordered the closing of protester camps within 24 hours that have been set up outside military bases in Brasilia since shortly after the 30 October election that brought President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva back to power. The first such operation was started this morning by the Federal District Police and the Brazilian army. At least 1,200 people were escorted to the police's headquarters.
Moraes also ordered social media platforms to block accounts spreading what he said was anti-democratic propaganda undermining the results of the election.
Lula yesterday declared a federal security intervention in the federal district surrounding Brasilia until 31 January, meaning the federal government will oversee security in the area instead of local officials. At least 300 rioters have been arrested so far, according to the Federal District Police.
The suspended governor, Ibaneis Rocha, supported Bolsonaro's reelection bid. He will be replaced by vice-governor Celina Leao, also a Bolsonaro supporter, until he is reinstated.
Bolsonaro — who left the country two days before his term expired and has claimed the election was stolen — said on Twitter yesterdaythat he refuted Lula's "accusations without evidence" that he orchestrated the riots. He added that attacks on public buildings like those on Sunday "as well as those practiced by the left in 2013 and 2017, go against the norm."
Justice minister Flavio Dino said last night that the protests' financiers have been identified and will be prosecuted.
Lula met with judicial and legislative leaders this morning and put out a statement condemning the events on Sunday. Protests against the Bolsonaro supporters are expected in Sao Paulo state today.
