UFRJ repudiates police violence against students protesting fee increases

Students, journalists, and a member of parliament were among those arrested during a demonstration against proposed fee increases at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

The university's administration has been accused of colluding with the police to suppress dissent.

On Tuesday, May 24, 2023, students at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) took to the streets to protest a proposed 10% increase in tuition fees. The demonstration was met with a heavy-handed response from the Military Police, who used tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.

Several students, journalists, and a member of parliament were arrested during the crackdown. The member of parliament, Renata Souza, was reportedly beaten by police officers while she was trying to negotiate with them on behalf of the protesters.

The university's administration has been accused of colluding with the police to suppress dissent. Students claim that the university administration had given the police permission to enter the campus and use force against the protesters.

The university administration has denied these claims, but the evidence suggests otherwise. In a video that has been circulating on social media, a university security guard can be seen opening the gates of the campus to allow the police to enter.

The crackdown on the UFRJ protest is part of a wider pattern of repression against dissent in Brazil. In recent years, the government of President Jair Bolsonaro has cracked down on protests, journalists, and human rights activists.

The crackdown on dissent in Brazil is a serious threat to democracy. It is essential that the Brazilian government respects the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

Reactions to the crackdown

The crackdown on the UFRJ protest has been widely condemned by human rights groups, journalists, and politicians.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has called on the Brazilian government to investigate the use of excessive force against the protesters.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the arrest of journalists who were covering the protest.

Several Brazilian politicians have also condemned the crackdown, including former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Conclusion

The crackdown on the UFRJ protest is a serious threat to democracy in Brazil. It is essential that the Brazilian government respects the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

The international community must continue to pressure the Brazilian government to end its crackdown on dissent.