On January 8th, 2023, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro raided the Brazilian National Congress, Supreme Court, and Presidential Palace. Bolsonaro loyalists called on the Brazilian military to overturn the 2022 presidential elections that resulted in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva being elected president. Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed into the empty government buildings, destroying windows and furniture, unleashing political rage. After the smoke-ridden air cleared up, the siege left a long-lasting impact on Brazil’s democracy. Read more about the events that took place on January 8th here.
This raid may remind you of the January 6, 2021 attacks at the United States Capitol, where Trump supporters besieged the government building, with members of Congress and aides inside, after former President Trump lost the 2021 election. We need to stand up to protect democracy in Brazil, the United States, and the Americas.
This is our time to stand with the people of Brazil. We know you will help us demonstrate support for democracy and human rights in Brazil!
What You Can Do?
On February 8, 2023, Representatives Cicilline (RI-01), Meeks (NY-05), and Castro (TX-20) introduced a resolution (H.Res. 106) that supports the free will of Brazilian people and democratic institutions in the country. In this resolution, members of Congress encourage dialogues between the U.S and Brazil with hopes of promoting democracy, rule of law, human rights, and racial and ethnic equality in access to justice. The resolution condemns the violent and unlawful attacks against Brazil’s government. Read the House resolution here. See current cosponsors here. (Senator Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a similar but not identical resolution in the Senate; see text here.)
1. Click! Fill out this form to send a message to your representative. We’ve already written it for you (though feel free to edit)! All you have to do is enter your contact information.
2. Call! If you’ve been following the situation in Brazil closely, you can instead call the office of your member of Congress, and ask for the foreign policy aide. Urge them to ask their boss to cosponsor the resolution.
Help us persuade representatives to condemn the attacks against democracy in Brazil!
It’s time to stand up for the free will of the people of Brazil.
In solidarity,
Ana from the LAWG Team — Ana, Lisa, and Yadira
P.S. Forward this action alert to three friends so they can take action!
