MT traders close stores in support of anti-democratic acts

In support of Bolsonarist protesters who are interdicting highways, some traders in the northern region of Mato Grosso have decided to close their establishments from this Tuesday (22nd) until Sunday (27th). Anti-democratic blockades protest the defeat of President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in the elections.

The movement takes place in the municipalities of Sinop, Sorriso and Lucas do Rio Verde. The decision took place after a meeting of shopkeepers and traders on Monday.

Sinop’s Chamber of Shopkeepers (CDL) issued a statement saying that the decision was taken by businessmen, and that the entity would not have legal and statutory power to promote the closure of companies.

“CDL Sinop values ​​the well-being of its associates, reinforcing that each one has the right to express themselves freely”, says an excerpt from the statement.

The CDL of Sorriso also confirmed the call, but reinforced that it has no involvement in the decision taken at the businessmen’s meeting.

Among the images released by the movement, there are several closed stores in Sinop, with signs with the words “Mourning for democracy”. A trader, who asked not to be identified, says that part of the stores in the central region of the city were no longer working.

According to the shopkeeper, some colleagues have already closed their doors, and others intend to do so from this Wednesday.

In the municipality of Sorriso, traders issued an open letter calling for a demonstration in the city in support of Bolsonarist acts.

The closure of stores and businesses has been occurring in isolation since October 30, after the announcement of the victory of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).

Rumors that industries would promote a lockout circulated on social media last week. So far, the move has not been confirmed.

According to Fiemt (Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso), there is no information about the stoppage of industrial activities in the state in protest against the result of the elections.

State sees escalating violence

Since Friday (18), Mato Grosso has registered an escalation of violence on the BR-163.

The state’s highways were again the target of blockades and other criminal acts supposedly in retaliation for Minister Alexandre de Moraes’ decision to block the accounts of 43 suspected of involvement in anti-democratic demonstrations by Bolsonaristas who do not accept the result of the election.

On Monday, the Attorney General of the Republic, Augusto Aras, said that he articulated with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security the use of the National Force to assist in the demobilization of interdictions on the roads.