More excitement for Wednesday, 26th June planned

[ihpguy]

I received this email about 3 hours ago from the US Consulate.

The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Brazil to continued protests in several cities throughout the country including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Fortaleza, Salvador, and Manaus. Protests have occurred throughout Brazil in the past week and more are planned for June 26. There have also been calls on social media for a series of strikes and protests throughout Brazil, which could potentially occur in the next week.

U.S. citizens should avoid the protests and areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Brazil are urged to continue to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly.

I can only report that in the central area of Rio things were very calm. The corner newstands on the sidewalks were getting ready to close at 5PM. Most por quilos shut early anyway as they are normally luncheon spots. The banks are still almost totally boarded up except for a single entryway which is opened and closed for business hours only. No problem getting money(saque) just need to do it before 4PM or 5PM, depending on when the last employee leaves and the security guards fasten down the metal doors and/or plywood barriers.

In different spots around the city there were groups of 10-12 military police from the states of Rio de Janeiro with kevlar vests, guns, some with semis and batons. Different from the Municipal Guard/Guarda Municipal who only carry batons and the BOPE and the mounted police who have helmets and heavier-duty "stuff.

These really are demonstrations over sundry complaints and not riots, per se. Yesterday, while walking to Meio Mundo, I passed a group of 10-11 retirees from VARIG complaining that they were missing their pensions. They had their handmade signs scrawled on posterboard. Feeble graphics. The Banco Brasil Cultural Center was closed, but there they were standing in front on the stops smiling for a couple of photographers.

Part of the lawlessness, are people taking advantage and looting and destroying whatever. Tonight in the Complexo Mare, which is on the other side of the highway from the hospital near the airport Galeao, part of UFRJ University, 9 people were killed in drug violence, and a news helicopter from RECORD for Cidade Alerta show youths running wild in the narrow streets, marauders as it were, stealing women's purses and even running into and out of restaurants stealing shopping bags as well. One woman ran into a restaurant/bar for protection and still a couple adolescents follewed her inside to rob her and you could see them exiting with her bags. Lawlessness. There was video of police apprehending some - the total reported was 16.

[flipao]

thank you!

[ihpguy]

You're welcome.