During the opposition conference in the Senate on Friday (18), Federal Deputy Colonel Chrisóstomo (PL-RO) suggested a possible reaction from the Armed Forces (PL). In an ambiguous speech, the parliamentarian evoked the military coup of 1964 and stated that the Armed Forces must “be with the Brazilian people.”
“I was proud of the Armed Forces, I was proud of the Armed Forces in 1964, although I were still a child. Today I mean: Armed Forces, be next to the Brazilian people. They are next to democracy,” said Chrisóstomo.
The deputy did not respond if the mention of 1964 made direct reference to the military coup nor defended an intervention. PL leader in the Senate, Carlos Portinho (RJ), who also participated in the press conference, avoided commenting on the content of the speech, merely saying that “every parliamentarian has the right to free manifestation”.
The operation that motivated Chrisostom’s reaction was authorized by Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), and imposed precautionary measures on Bolsonaro. These include the use of electronic anklet, night home collection, prohibition of social networks and communication with other investigators and foreign diplomats. The PF investigates crimes of obstruction of justice, coercion in the course of the process and attack on national sovereignty.
At the same press conference, Chrisóstomo stated that the country is experiencing a moment of “persecution” to the former president and that Brazil wants “peace”. Without quoting Moraes, the deputy criticized recent decisions of the court: “We cannot have an authority ruthlessly pursuing a former president who only thinks about doing good things for Brazil.”
The parliamentarian also directed appeals to the press: “It is time for the Brazilian press to act in favor of the people. Defend Brazil, defend our people,” he concluded.
