Brazil Judge Allows Anti-Temer Protests Prohibited At Olympics

A federal judge temporarily annuled Monday the prohibition of pacific political protests against the interim goverment of Michel Temer during the Olympics taking place in Rio de Janeiro —a measure previously taken by Temer government.

The ruling follows a request by federal attorneys filed against the federal government, the State of Rio de Janeiro, and the 2016 International Olympic Committee, for formally approving the prohibition of political protests during the games.

Earlier in the day, the federal Public Ministry formally banned sport supporters from showing political banners or T-shirts within the stadium, considering the use police or military forces to arrest any who resist.

But judge Joao Augusto Carneiro Araújo found that the measure violated the right to expression, ordering authorities to cancel it immediately or they would have to pay a fine.

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The measure follows several days of protests denouncing the impeachment process that seeks to permanently oust elected President Dilma Rousseff. The protests have come in the heart of Rio's tourist zone and in view of thousands of tourists from around the world who have come to Brazil for the Olympic Games.

“We are warning the public that these types of demonstrations are not allowed within the stadium,” said Mario Andrada, spokesperson for the Rio 2016 organizing committee.

According to teleSUR's Lemus, anti-Temer demonstrations are to be held on Tuesday in 17 cities.

Since Rousseff was suspended, there have been major protests around the country, with polls revealing the majority of Brazilians want new elections. Temer is serving as interim president but has been banned from running for public office for eight years.

The Temer government has deployed thousands of police and troops to patrol Rio during the Olympics, which social movements have denounced as a “militarization” of the city.

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The Temer government's minister of justice, Alexandre de Moraes, has a history of utilizing repression against protests and has said he will evaluate what protests he will allow to proceed.

De Moraes, in his capacity as Sao Paulo's chief of security, has attempted to limit the constitutional right to demonstrate by demanding protest organizers provide police with a route of their marches.

Days ago, police used tear gas to disperse a small demonstration by students and teachers that blocked the streets of Niteroi, where the Olympic torch was supposed to travel on its way to Rio.

Organizers of the games said they are prepared to cover the noise of protesters during events by either raising the volume of the music or playing sound effects. Security guards have also been instructed to confiscate political signs from attendees.