New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed concern over the riots in Brazil. And extended support to government authorities, saying “democratic traditions should be respected by all”.
“Deeply concerned by reports of riots and vandalism against state institutions in Brasilia. Democratic traditions must be respected by all. We offer our full support to the Brazilian authorities,” he tweeted, tagging Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The prime minister’s response came hours after hundreds of supporters of Brazil’s far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro raided. The National Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court. President Lula condemned the riots as a “fascist” attack. Bolsonaro has denied any role in the violence and condemned “looting and attacks”.
Leftist leader Lula, 77, took office a week ago after defeating Bolsonaro in Brazil’s divided October election. Hardline Bolsonaro supporters have been protesting outside army bases, calling for military intervention to prevent Lula from taking power since defeating Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro has rejected President Lula’s “baseless” accusations that he incited the riots. Writing on Twitter, the former president — who has left Brazil for the US state of Florida — also defended the right to “peaceful protests.”
