Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro.

In Sao Paulo, people assembled to demand the removal of state Governor Joao Doria, who has said state residents will be required to take a vaccine.&nbsp;

The said vaccine is the one that's being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac and the local Butantan Institute.

The vaccine has been a prime target for skepticism from Bolsonaro and others, with the president saying Brazilians will not be guinea pigs to the Chinese.

Demonstrators supporting Bolsonaro on the question also protested on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

A poll said this week the percentage of Brazilians who say they would take a coronavirus vaccine dropped to 63 in October from 85 four months earlier. The percentage rejecting the idea of taking a vaccine rose to 22 from eight in July.

On Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao told the magazine Veja that "of course" the country will buy the Butantan-Sinovac vaccine. Bolsonaro immediately responded that he is the one with the power and he will not spend on any vaccine that is not approved by the Brazilian health regulator.

Brazil has reported more than 5.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus infections, and about 160,000 people have died from COVID-19.

(with inputs)

Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro.

Protesters gathered in Brazil's two biggest cities on Sunday to demonstrate against any mandate for the coronavirus vaccine -- in a way supporting a rejection campaign encouraged by President Jair Bolsonaro. In Sao Paulo, people assembled to demand the removal of state Governor Joao Doria, who has said state residents will be required to take a vaccine. The said vaccine is the one that's being developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac and the local Butantan Institute. The vaccine has been a prime target for skepticism from Bolsonaro and others, with the president saying Brazilians will not be guinea pigs to the Chinese. Demonstrators supporting Bolsonaro on the question also protested on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. A poll said this week the percentage of Brazilians who say they would take a coronavirus vaccine dropped to 63 in October from 85 four months earlier. The percentage rejecting the idea of taking a vaccine rose to 22 from eight in July. On Friday, Vice President Hamilton Mourao told the magazine Veja that "of course" the country will buy the Butantan-Sinovac vaccine. Bolsonaro immediately responded that he is the one with the power and he will not spend on any vaccine that is not approved by the Brazilian health regulator. Brazil has reported more than 5.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus infections, and about 160,000 people have died from COVID-19. (with inputs)

Protesters in Brazil support Bolsonaro in anti-vaccine stance

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech.

A few days ago when asked if he would be aiming to get the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Bolsonaro issued a stern 'no' and said, "We will not buy a Chinese vaccine."

Now, Bolsonaro has taken a shot at the&nbsp;Sao Paulo Governor for promoting a coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;“Dear Sao Paulo Governor (João Doria), I know you’re passionate. You know this but no one is going to take a forced vaccine, it would be difficult,” the president said.

“Find another. I am the government, the money is not mine but the people’s. I am not going to buy your vaccine also. Find another to buy your vaccine.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-jair-bolsonaro-rejects-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-336929">Also read|&nbsp;Brazil will not buy China's Sinovac vaccine, says President Jair Bolsonaro</a>

The statement has come at a time when Brazil is crippling with the coronavirus pandemic and has been observing single-day surges of coronavirus infections. The daily surge has led to people and health experts urging the President to initiate another lockdown, like many other European and Western countries.

However, Bolsonaro has defined these lockdowns by other countries to be&nbsp;"crazy". Bolsonaro has been a critic of full lockdowns and "stay-at-home" measures, claiming the virus is being hyped.

Bolsonaro's decision to deny purchase of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine has also attracted criticism from many experts who have urged the President to let the vaccine enter the country to contain the widespread of the deadly virus&nbsp;which has affected millions of locals, including the President and his family.

The statement was also followed by a comment from the&nbsp;head of the country's health regulator Anvisa, Antonio Barra Torres who has claimed that Brazil will have a COVID-19 vaccine ready by June

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Sao Paulo state biomedical research centre, the Butantan Institute, is testing the Sinovac vaccine, and Governor João Doria said he hopes to have health regulator approval by the end of the year to start vaccinating people in January.

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company Sinovac Biotech.

As the world is rushing towards manufacturing and producing a COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has refused to pay for the coronavirus vaccine being developed by a Chinese company Sinovac Biotech. A few days ago when asked if he would be aiming to get the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Bolsonaro issued a stern 'no' and said, "We will not buy a Chinese vaccine." Now, Bolsonaro has taken a shot at the Sao Paulo Governor for promoting a coronavirus vaccine. “Dear Sao Paulo Governor (João Doria), I know you’re passionate. You know this but no one is going to take a forced vaccine, it would be difficult,” the president said. “Find another. I am the government, the money is not mine but the people’s. I am not going to buy your vaccine also. Find another to buy your vaccine.” Also read| Brazil will not buy China's Sinovac vaccine, says President Jair Bolsonaro The statement has come at a time when Brazil is crippling with the coronavirus pandemic and has been observing single-day surges of coronavirus infections. The daily surge has led to people and health experts urging the President to initiate another lockdown, like many other European and Western countries. However, Bolsonaro has defined these lockdowns by other countries to be "crazy". Bolsonaro has been a critic of full lockdowns and "stay-at-home" measures, claiming the virus is being hyped. Bolsonaro's decision to deny purchase of the Chinese coronavirus vaccine has also attracted criticism from many experts who have urged the President to let the vaccine enter the country to contain the widespread of the deadly virus which has affected millions of locals, including the President and his family. The statement was also followed by a comment from the head of the country's health regulator Anvisa, Antonio Barra Torres who has claimed that Brazil will have a COVID-19 vaccine ready by June Meanwhile, Sao Paulo state biomedical research centre, the Butantan Institute, is testing the Sinovac vaccine, and Governor João Doria said he hopes to have health regulator approval by the end of the year to start vaccinating people in January.

Brazil's Bolsonaro refuses to pay for Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and a high-ranking health official said on Wednesday the federal government will not buy a COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac, one day after the Health Minister said it would be included in the nation's immunization program.

Bolsonaro drops plans to buy Chinese vaccine: Says, 'Its expensive and unscientific'

Ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, the Democratic candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>.

Biden had offered to pay up to US$20 billion to help save the depleting Amazon wildforests. The topic was initiated in the first&nbsp;Presidential debate&nbsp;that took place on Septmber 19 in Ohio. "Rainforests of Brazil are being torn down, are being ripped down," Biden&nbsp;&nbsp;said during the segment on climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-2020-bolsonaro-calls-brazil-victim-of-brutal-disinformation-on-amazon-329477">Also read|&nbsp;UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon</a>

He further added that if chosen would be "gathering up and making sure we had the countries of the world coming up with $20 billion to say 'here's $20 billion, stop tearing down the forest and if you don't, you are going to have significant economic consequences.'"

However,&nbsp;Bolsonaro slammed back at the offer and called it a 'bribe' and a shameful act. He took to Twitter to decline the offer and give a&nbsp;reply to the frontrunner.

"What some have not yet understood is that Brazil has changed. Today, its President, unlike the left, no longer accepts bribes, criminal demarcations or unfounded threats. OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE," he said in a series of tweets.&nbsp;(Text has been translated)

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1- O candidato à presidência dos EUA, Joe Biden, disse ontem que poderia nos pagar U$ 20 bilhões para pararmos de "destruir" a Amazônia ou nos imporia sérias restrições econômicas.
— Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1311325653179006977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro openly condemned the statement by&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and urged him to not act out of 'greedy' motives. "However, the explicit demonstration of this greed by someone who is running for the presidency of his country is a clear sign of contempt for cordial and fruitful coexistence between two sovereign nations."

He also hinted towards his friendship with the Presiden&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;by mentioning his ongoing conversation with&nbsp;Trump.&nbsp;"US cooperation is welcome, including for sustainable investment projects that create decent jobs for the Amazonian population, as I have been talking to President Trump."

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The Bolsonaro-led government has often clashed with the international media and western governments over protection and destruction of the Amazon forests.&nbsp;

Ahead of the US elections, the Democratic candidate Joe Biden decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the US elections, the Democratic candidate Joe Biden decided toallegedly woo the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of the US President Donald Trump. Biden had offered to pay up to US$20 billion to help save the depleting Amazon wildforests. The topic was initiated in the first Presidential debate that took place on Septmber 19 in Ohio. "Rainforests of Brazil are being torn down, are being ripped down," Biden said during the segment on climate change. Also read| UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon He further added that if chosen would be "gathering up and making sure we had the countries of the world coming up with $20 billion to say 'here's $20 billion, stop tearing down the forest and if you don't, you are going to have significant economic consequences.'" However, Bolsonaro slammed back at the offer and called it a 'bribe' and a shameful act. He took to Twitter to decline the offer and give a reply to the frontrunner. "What some have not yet understood is that Brazil has changed. Today, its President, unlike the left, no longer accepts bribes, criminal demarcations or unfounded threats. OUR SOVEREIGNTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE," he said in a series of tweets. (Text has been translated) 1- O candidato à presidência dos EUA, Joe Biden, disse ontem que poderia nos pagar U$ 20 bilhões para pararmos de "destruir" a Amazônia ou nos imporia sérias restrições econômicas. — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) September 30, 2020 × Bolsonaro openly condemned the statement by Biden and urged him to not act out of 'greedy' motives. "However, the explicit demonstration of this greed by someone who is running for the presidency of his country is a clear sign of contempt for cordial and fruitful coexistence between two sovereign nations." He also hinted towards his friendship with the Presiden Donald Trump by mentioning his ongoing conversation with Trump. "US cooperation is welcome, including for sustainable investment projects that create decent jobs for the Amazonian population, as I have been talking to President Trump." × The Bolsonaro-led government has often clashed with the international media and western governments over protection and destruction of the Amazon forests.

'Brazil does not accept bribes': Bolsonaro slams Biden for offering help for Amazon

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, speaking to world leaders at the United Nations, defended his government’s track record during the coronavirus pandemic while rejecting criticism of his handling of Amazon fires for a second consecutive year. #BolsonaroAmazon #UN #Brazil About Channel: WION -The World is One News, examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim to empower people to explore their world. With our Global headquarters in New Delhi, we bring you news on the hour, by the hour. We deliver information that is not biased. We are journalists who are neutral to the core and non-partisan when it comes to the politics of the world. People are tired of biased reportage and we stand for a globalised united world. So for us the World is truly One. Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs as well as personal insults. Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com Connect with us on our social media handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIONews Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIONews Follow us on Google News for latest updates Zee News:- https://bit.ly/2Ac5G60 Zee Bussiness:- https://bit.ly/36vI2xa DNA India:- https://bit.ly/2ZDuLRY WION: https://bit.ly/3gnDb5J Zee News Apps : https://bit.ly/ZeeNewsApps

Brazil President make bizarre comment: 'Our forests our wet, fires can't help'

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">Also Read:&nbsp;As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

"The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests coupled with exploitative and unpatriotic Brazilian associations with the purpose of undermining the government and Brazil itself," Bolsanoro said.

Bolsoanro said that the fires could not spread in the Amazon rainforest because it is "wet."

The Brazilian president's remarks come as Amazon has witnessed record fires in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands. Bolsonaro, in fact, blamed the indigenous people in the Amazon for the fires at the rainforest.

"The fires practically occur in the same places, on the east side of the forest, where peasants and Indians burn their fields in already deforested areas," Bolsonaro said while attacking the media for "politicising" the pandemic.

Bolsanoro said Brazilian agriculture feeds one billion people in the world and it has the best environmental legislation. "And yet we are the victims of one of the most brutal campaign of misinformation about the Amazon and the Pantanal," he said at the UNGA.

However, Greenpeace hit back saying: "Bolsonaro's denialist rhetoric, even as the country burns, is a disgrace to the Brazilian people and isolates Brazil from the world."

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday said that his country was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign. Also Read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' "The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests coupled with exploitative and unpatriotic Brazilian associations with the purpose of undermining the government and Brazil itself," Bolsanoro said. Bolsoanro said that the fires could not spread in the Amazon rainforest because it is "wet." The Brazilian president's remarks come as Amazon has witnessed record fires in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands. Bolsonaro, in fact, blamed the indigenous people in the Amazon for the fires at the rainforest. "The fires practically occur in the same places, on the east side of the forest, where peasants and Indians burn their fields in already deforested areas," Bolsonaro said while attacking the media for "politicising" the pandemic. Bolsanoro said Brazilian agriculture feeds one billion people in the world and it has the best environmental legislation. "And yet we are the victims of one of the most brutal campaign of misinformation about the Amazon and the Pantanal," he said at the UNGA. However, Greenpeace hit back saying: "Bolsonaro's denialist rhetoric, even as the country burns, is a disgrace to the Brazilian people and isolates Brazil from the world."

Fires can't spread in Amazon rainforest because it is 'wet', says Bolsonaro

Brazilian&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed&nbsp;the destruction of the Amazon rainforest,&nbsp;claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

During a video&nbsp;address to the annual assembly in New York,&nbsp;Bolsonaro said&nbsp;"We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it. During a video address to the annual assembly in New York, Bolsonaro said "We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.'' Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said Thursday&nbsp;that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes.

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Environmental advocates blame&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Thursday that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Speaking at a public event in the northeast state of Paraiba, Bolsonaro also said, "Brazil is the country that preserves the environment the most." Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland In the Amazon, illegal ranchers and land speculators generally set fire to plots of land to clear them for agricultural purposes. × Environmental advocates blame Bolsonaro, who supports introducing more commercial farming and mining in the Amazon, for emboldening those who destroy the forest. The president says developing the Amazon will lift the region out of poverty. Bolsonaro said on Wednesday the government was attempting to resolve the problem of fires via an initiative to issue land titles to those squatting on public land, in an effort the government has previously argued will allow them to be held accountable.

As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefundBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefundBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmazonOrBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmazonOrBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhichSideAreYouOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhichSideAreYouOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg">https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg</a>
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/1303747439271137281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt.

"Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter.

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeoDiCaprio</a> Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? <a href="https://t.co/VMG817oUX8">https://t.co/VMG817oUX8</a>
— Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsallesmma/status/1303994727663120385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro retweeted the message.

The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change.

DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration.

Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning.

Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jair-bolsonaro-calls-reports-of-amazons-fires-a-lie-326273">Also watch:&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'</a>

The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."

He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals.

However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon.

Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest. DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest. #DefundBolsonaro #AmazonOrBolsonaro #WhichSideAreYouOn https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg — Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 9, 2020 × Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt. "Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter. Dear @LeoDiCaprio Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? https://t.co/VMG817oUX8 — Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) September 10, 2020 × Bolsonaro retweeted the message. The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change. DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration. Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning. Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy. Also watch: Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie' The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid." He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals. However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon. Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Controversial Brazil environment minister taunts DiCaprio

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-threatens-to-punch-reporter-in-the-mouth-322626">Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth</a>

On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe.

During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

"That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'.

"You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower."

Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900&nbsp;in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018.

Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic. The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe. During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics "That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'. "You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower." Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900 in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018. Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme.

"I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday.

The reporter met Bolsonaro after his regular Sunday visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia. The president ignored protests from other journalists after the remarks and left without making further comments.

The O Globo reporter asked about a report in the magazine Crusoe linking First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro to a retired police officer. Fabrício Queiroz was a friend of the president, and former adviser to her son Flavio Bolsonaro, who is now a senator.

Queiroz and Flavio Bolsonaro are under investigation for a scheme that allegedly swindled pay from government employees when the younger Bolsonaro was a regional lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro, and before Jair Bolsonaro became president in January 2019.

According to the magazine, Queiroz deposited funds in Michelle Bolsonaro's bank account between 2011 and 2016.

Soon after the president's outburst, the publication issued a statement repudiating his "aggression ... towards a journalist from our newspaper that was carrying out his job in a professional manner."

Such intimidation "shows that Jair Bolsonaro does not acknowledge the duty of a public servant ... to be accountable to the public."

The first lady has so far said nothing about the case.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme. "I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro threatened to punch a reporter repeatedly in the mouth when he was asked about his wife's links to an alleged corruption scheme. "I so want to pound your mouth with punches," the far-right president said when a reporter from O Globo, posed the question on Sunday. The reporter met Bolsonaro after his regular Sunday visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia. The president ignored protests from other journalists after the remarks and left without making further comments. The O Globo reporter asked about a report in the magazine Crusoe linking First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro to a retired police officer. Fabrício Queiroz was a friend of the president, and former adviser to her son Flavio Bolsonaro, who is now a senator. Queiroz and Flavio Bolsonaro are under investigation for a scheme that allegedly swindled pay from government employees when the younger Bolsonaro was a regional lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro, and before Jair Bolsonaro became president in January 2019. According to the magazine, Queiroz deposited funds in Michelle Bolsonaro's bank account between 2011 and 2016. Soon after the president's outburst, the publication issued a statement repudiating his "aggression ... towards a journalist from our newspaper that was carrying out his job in a professional manner." Such intimidation "shows that Jair Bolsonaro does not acknowledge the duty of a public servant ... to be accountable to the public." The first lady has so far said nothing about the case.

Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics

COVID-19, illegal mining, deforestation: Brazil's indigenous protest against Bolsonaro government

Brazil on Saturday surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths and three million cases of infection, according to the latest tally from the Ministry of Health.

Brazil crosses 1 lakh Coronavirus deaths | South America | sao paulo | World News

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year.

As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

"Lungs of the earth" under danger

Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change.

However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-fires-official-who-divulged-details-of-record-deforestation-in-the-amazon-313178" hreflang="en">Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon</a>

This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month.

Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest.

&nbsp;"More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement.

Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazil-gold-rush-illegal-mining-threatens-amazon-tropical-rainforests-309257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Not enough counter measures?

Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders.

2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever!

Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-deforested-10000-square-km-of-amazon-rainforest-in-2019-up-34-on-year-304867" hreflang="en">Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year</a>

However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm.

On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests.

Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/inhabitants-of-the-amazon-basin-may-have-cultivated-plants-10000-years-ago-291762" hreflang="en">Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago</a>

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year. "Lungs of the earth" under danger Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change. However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests. Also read: Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month. Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest. "More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement. Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch. Not enough counter measures? Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders. 2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever! Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg. Also read: Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm. On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests. Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface. Also read: Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago

Environmentalists shudder as Amazon rainforest witnesses record number of fires in July

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-agrees-to-pay-650m-to-settle-facial-recognition-lawsuit-317458" hreflang="en">Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit</a>

A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order.

"Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-poll-numbers-rise-in-brazil-despite-controversial-virus-handling-315855">Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling</a>

Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses.

On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710&nbsp;fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally.

Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction."

The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine.

The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election.

The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal. Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order. "Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said. Also read: Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses. On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710 fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally. Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction." The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine. The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election. The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook slams 'extreme' ruling blocking Bolsonaro allies

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's wife and one of his ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an official statement on Thursday, as the spread of the novel coronavirus showed no signs of slowing in the country with the world's second-worst outbreak after the United States.

Brazil President Bolsonaro's wife tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

"I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection.

"After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday.

His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly.

Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he was taking antibiotics for an infection that left him feeling weak, chuckling in an online video about "mold" in his lungs, having spent weeks in isolation after catching the novel coronavirus. "I just did a blood test. I was feeling kind of weak yesterday. They found a bit of infection also. Now I'm on antibiotics," Bolsonaro said in a livestream video, without elaborating on the infection. "After 20 days indoors, I have other problems. I have mold in my lungs," he said, referring to nearly three weeks he spent at the official presidential residence. He tested positive for the coronavirus on July 7 and then negative last Saturday. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, tested positive on Thursday, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Science and Technology Minister Marcos Pontes also said he had tested positive for the virus, making him the fifth cabinet minister diagnosed publicly. Bolsonaro said he would go ahead with his visit to southern Rio Grande do Sul state on Friday.

Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-quarantine-travellers-from-spain-sunday-times-315992" hreflang="en">UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus.

And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis.

There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus.

Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone".&nbsp;

"While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday.

Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday.

The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west.

<h2>Bolsonaro tests negative&nbsp;</h2>

As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations.

Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation.

"In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy.

One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7.

Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative.

In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities.

Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021.

<h2>Fresh clusters&nbsp;</h2>

Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia.

South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days.

Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee.

That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic.

Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count.

Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus.

Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life.

Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans.&nbsp;

"If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier.

In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations.

But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered.

Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets.

And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on&nbsp;travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row. Also read: UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus. And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis. There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus. Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000. The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone". "While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday. Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday. The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west. Bolsonaro tests negative As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations. Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation. "In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy. One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7. Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative. In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials. Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities. Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021. Fresh clusters Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia. South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days. Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee. That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic. Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count. Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus. Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life. Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans. "If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier. In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations. But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered. Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets. And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

Public losing faith in governments, says survey, amid surge in virus cases

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign.

Tension has been soaring between the far-right leader and the court, which is investigating allegations that members of his inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

The two US social media giants are also facing increasing pressure to act more aggressively against hate speech and false information on their platforms.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes said in his court order -- which enforced an earlier May ruling -- the accounts must be blocked to stop "the ongoing dissemination of fake news, slanderous accusations, threats and crimes" against the court.

The affected accounts include high-profile figures such as conservative former lawmaker Roberto Jefferson, business magnate Luciano Hang and far-right activist Sara Winter.

Visitors to their Facebook and Twitter pages in Brazil, though not other countries, saw messages indicating they were blocked.

"This content isn't available right now," read their Facebook pages.

A Twitter notice explained: "Account withheld in Brazil in response to a legal demand".&nbsp;

A linked message said the company "was compelled to withhold the original Tweet in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order."

The owners of the blocked accounts reacted furiously.

Winter called the court order worthy of a "dictatorship," while Jefferson drew a comparison to Nazi Germany.

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign.

Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts Friday of 16 allies of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro after a Supreme Court judge ordered them blocked as part of a probe into an alleged disinformation campaign. Tension has been soaring between the far-right leader and the court, which is investigating allegations that members of his inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. The two US social media giants are also facing increasing pressure to act more aggressively against hate speech and false information on their platforms. Justice Alexandre de Moraes said in his court order -- which enforced an earlier May ruling -- the accounts must be blocked to stop "the ongoing dissemination of fake news, slanderous accusations, threats and crimes" against the court. The affected accounts include high-profile figures such as conservative former lawmaker Roberto Jefferson, business magnate Luciano Hang and far-right activist Sara Winter. Visitors to their Facebook and Twitter pages in Brazil, though not other countries, saw messages indicating they were blocked. "This content isn't available right now," read their Facebook pages. A Twitter notice explained: "Account withheld in Brazil in response to a legal demand". A linked message said the company "was compelled to withhold the original Tweet in response to a valid legal demand, such as a court order." The owners of the blocked accounts reacted furiously. Winter called the court order worthy of a "dictatorship," while Jefferson drew a comparison to Nazi Germany.

Twitter, Facebook block accounts of Bolsonaro allies

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday.

Bolsonaro has been in quarantine at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on July 7. He had to cancel upcoming travel plans after a new test came back positive again on Wednesday.

Photographs captured him taking a motorcycle for a spin on the palace grounds, stopping at one point to talk to a team of groundskeepers raking leaves -- despite his positive test result and the fact that neither he nor the workers appeared to be wearing face masks.

The 65-year old, who has been called a "Tropical Trump," has repeatedly defied social distancing guidelines by regularly hitting the streets for rallies by his supporters even as the pandemic exploded in Brazil.

The South American country has the second-biggest outbreak in the world, after the United States, with nearly 2.3 million infections and more than 84,000 deaths. Brazil registered its two highest daily numbers of new infections Wednesday and Thursday, with 67,860 and 59,961, respectively.

Bolsonaro, who has compared the virus to a "little flu" and condemned the economic impact of stay-at-home measures to contain it, said on Facebook he was feeling "great."

"We're concerned with protecting lives, but the collateral damage from these (stay-at-home) policies is going to kill a lot more people than the virus," he said.

The far-right leader also admitted in a live Facebook video Thursday that he was feeling "a bit wretched at being imprisoned here."

Bolsonaro has also been spotted in the gardens feeding -- and occasionally getting bitten by -- rheas, a South American bird related to the emu.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro refused to let COVID-19 get the better of him as he went for a spin on a motorcycle and chatted maskless with a team of groundskeepers outside the presidential palace on Thursday. Bolsonaro has been in quarantine at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on July 7. He had to cancel upcoming travel plans after a new test came back positive again on Wednesday. Photographs captured him taking a motorcycle for a spin on the palace grounds, stopping at one point to talk to a team of groundskeepers raking leaves -- despite his positive test result and the fact that neither he nor the workers appeared to be wearing face masks. The 65-year old, who has been called a "Tropical Trump," has repeatedly defied social distancing guidelines by regularly hitting the streets for rallies by his supporters even as the pandemic exploded in Brazil. The South American country has the second-biggest outbreak in the world, after the United States, with nearly 2.3 million infections and more than 84,000 deaths. Brazil registered its two highest daily numbers of new infections Wednesday and Thursday, with 67,860 and 59,961, respectively. Bolsonaro, who has compared the virus to a "little flu" and condemned the economic impact of stay-at-home measures to contain it, said on Facebook he was feeling "great." "We're concerned with protecting lives, but the collateral damage from these (stay-at-home) policies is going to kill a lot more people than the virus," he said. The far-right leader also admitted in a live Facebook video Thursday that he was feeling "a bit wretched at being imprisoned here." Bolsonaro has also been spotted in the gardens feeding -- and occasionally getting bitten by -- rheas, a South American bird related to the emu.

Despite being COVID positive, Bolsonaro rides motorcycle, chats up workers

The first shipment of a potential COVID-19 vaccine being developed by China has now landed in Brazil. Sao Paulo has received 20,000 doses of CoronaVac which is being developed with a Chinese frim Sinovac. Watch report.

Why is China conducting Phase-3 trials in other countries: China's vaccine test to start in Brazil

Coronavirus pandemic: Brazil to start clinical trials of Chinese vaccine candidate

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday&nbsp;said he hopes Republican US&nbsp;President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November.

However,&nbsp; he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-surges-trump-escalates-conflict-with-fauci-313876">As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci</a>

Bolsonaro has often lauded Trump, calling him a political role model and drawing parallels between their conservative agendas.

The Brazilian right-wing leader has been critical of left-leaning leaders in Latin America and further afield. On Thursday, he criticised&nbsp;Argentina's turn to the left by saying that the country opted for a "lie" in an election that pitted former conservative president Mauricio Macri against leftist victor President Alberto Fernandez.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-says-death-was-everyones-destiny-as-country-registers-1349-deaths-305715">Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths</a>

In his address, Bolsonaro also hit out at critics that the country's Amazon rainforest is under threat.

Coronavirus&nbsp;positive Bolsonaro slammed&nbsp;lockdown policies by saying that they kill&nbsp;"more than the virus". His statment comes Brazil as&nbsp;topped two million coronavirus cases on Thursday, according to official data that put the number of deaths at more than 76,000.

Over the last two months,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has recorded more than 30,000 new cases in 24 hours 26 times, and on 11 of those occasions there were more than 40,000 infections.

Brazil&nbsp;is the second worst affected country in the world by the coronavirus after the United States.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said he hopes Republican US President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November. However, he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said he hopes Republican US President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November. However, he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins. Also read: As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci Bolsonaro has often lauded Trump, calling him a political role model and drawing parallels between their conservative agendas. The Brazilian right-wing leader has been critical of left-leaning leaders in Latin America and further afield. On Thursday, he criticised Argentina's turn to the left by saying that the country opted for a "lie" in an election that pitted former conservative president Mauricio Macri against leftist victor President Alberto Fernandez. Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths In his address, Bolsonaro also hit out at critics that the country's Amazon rainforest is under threat. Coronavirus positive Bolsonaro slammed lockdown policies by saying that they kill "more than the virus". His statment comes Brazil as topped two million coronavirus cases on Thursday, according to official data that put the number of deaths at more than 76,000. Over the last two months, Brazil has recorded more than 30,000 new cases in 24 hours 26 times, and on 11 of those occasions there were more than 40,000 infections. Brazil is the second worst affected country in the world by the coronavirus after the United States.

Hope US President Trump is re-elected, says Brazil President Bolsonaro

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