Brasilia: The Brazilian Supreme court Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that carrying of firearms would be temporarily banned in the capital Brasilia until following the inauguration of new president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on January 2nd, 2023. The ruling further said that the violators of the ban will be taken into custody.
The ruling comes in response to violent episodes in the Brazilian Capital. The violence incidents were blamed on the president of Brazil’s right-wing party Jair Bolsonaro. Flavio Dino, the incoming justice minister, hailed the decision.
However, members of the security forces will be exempt from the ban, along with those employed by private security companies. Incoming Justice Minister Flavio Dino said Lula’s team requested the gun restrictions be put in place. Dino praised the decision, saying it would bolster security during the swearing-in.
High Alert in Brasilia after rioting
The decision comes after supporters of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro rioted in the capital last month. Leftist Lula defeated Bolsonaro during critical presidential elections in October.
The rioting took place on December 13, shortly after Lula’s victory against Bolsonaro was certified. Bolsonaro supporters sought to storm the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, with rioters also blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire.
Security is being ramped up in Brasilia. Earlier on December 24, police said they thwarted a bomb plot in an area of the capital near where Lula was staying. Brasilia authorities say they arrested a man with ties to pro-Bolsonaro supporters camped outside the army headquarters.
Prior to the October elections, Bolsonaro expressed skepticism of Brazil’s electronic voting system, and claimed without evidence that it is susceptible to fraud. Lula has blamed Bolsonaro for recent violence in the capital. Bolsonaro has authorized the presidential transition process but refused to concede the election to Lula.
