The 13 soldiers dismissed today served in the Brazilian presidency’s Office for Institutional Security (GSI), an advisory body on National Security and Defense matters.
Another 13 military personnel were dismissed as part of a purge of security services launched by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the wake of the Jan. 8 riots in the capital Brasilia.
The information was published today in the Government Gazette, a day after the announcement of the dismissal of 40 soldiers guarding the presidential residence, which was ransacked by supporters of the far-right ex-president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro.
The 13 soldiers dismissed today served in the Brazilian presidency’s Office for Institutional Security (GSI), an advisory body on National Security and Defense matters.
The purges come a week after 77-year-old President Lula expressed distrust of some officers tasked with his security. Last Thursday he had announced a thorough investigation into the members of the guard, underlining that he was convinced that they not only did not prevent but helped the Bolsonaros to invade the Alvorada palace.
“I am convinced that the gate was opened for them to enter, because no door was found broken,” Lula said, adding: “This means that someone facilitated their entry.” “How could I (still) have at the door of my office someone who could shoot me?”, he asked himself and expressed the belief that “the palace was full of Bolsonaros”.
Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters, refusing to accept Lula’s victory in October’s presidential election, sparked widespread riots on January 8 in the capital Brasilia, storming government buildings.
Brazil’s far-right former president, who traveled to the United States two days before Lula’s inauguration, denies any involvement in the uprising. However, Bolsonaro’s role is being investigated.
About 1,400 people arrested over the January 8 riots remain in custody. Of these, 39 are being prosecuted for participation in a criminal organization, damage to public property and inciting a coup.
Prosecutor General Augusto Aras said in a televised interview that charges would be brought against another 200 arrested in the next two weeks.
Bolsonaro’s former justice minister, Anderson Torres, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy after returning from the US. Earlier today he appeared before an investigator for an initial statement, but chose to remain silent, according to news website G1. However, he denies any involvement in the rebellion.
RES-EMP
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
