Brazil’s federal police, on Thursday (Feb 8) sought to seize former President Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and arrest some of his closest aides for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2022 election, reported Reuters citing sources.&nbsp;

<h2>Bolsonaro to surrender passport</h2>

The police said that they were carrying out dozens of search and seizure operations and executing four arrest warrants to target a “criminal organization involved in the attempted coup,” that would have kept Bolsonaro in power after his election defeat.&nbsp;

The coup attempt in question was when thousands of supporters of the former president stormed the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court last year in January after Bolsanaro lost to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.&nbsp;

However, the former president was not himself the target of a search but was ordered to forfeit his passport, an officer with knowledge of the operation told the Associated Press.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-intelligence-agencys-second-in-command-fired-in-bolsonaro-illegal-spying-probe-685492">Brazil intelligence agency’s second-in-command fired in Bolsonaro illegal spying probe</a>

The federal police said that they were carrying out 33 searches and seeking four arrests in eight states and Brasilia, the country’s capital.&nbsp;

The police also said that the group under investigation prepared to claim fraud in the 2022 election, even before voting took place, “in order to enable and legitimize a military intervention.”

The raids, authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Morae, also ordered that multiple suspects – who were not named – be suspended from public duties and surrender their passports within 24 hours.

Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro’s lawyer, took to X and confirmed that the former president would comply with the order. The former president has already been ruled politically ineligible until 2030 for spreading election falsehoods and is facing several criminal probes.&nbsp;

Search warrants were also issued for properties linked to Walter Braga Netto, Bolsonaro’s former running mate; Augusto Heleno, his former national security adviser; former Defense Minister Paulo Nogueira Batista and former Justice Minister Anderson Torres, among others, reported Reuters citing sources.&nbsp;

<h2>Lula responds</h2>

Amid the ongoing investigation and raids, the incumbent president said the coup attempt had to be investigated to keep it from happening again. Notably, the riots came a week after Lula’s inauguration in January 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-police-raid-bolsonaro-aides-over-jewels-probe-624805">Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe</a>

Bolsonaro, who was in the United States at the time of the riots has repeatedly denied responsibility and called the investigation politically motivated. When asked about the investigation during a radio interview, on Thursday, Lula said it wasn’t his place to comment about a sealed investigation.

“A lot of people should be investigated, because it is concrete fact that there was an attempted coup, there was a policy of disrespecting democracy, there was an attempt to destroy something we built so many years ago, which is the democratic process,” he added.&nbsp;

“Without Bolsonaro there would have been no coup attempt," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Brazil’s federal police, on Thursday (Feb 8) sought to seize former President Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and arrest some of his closest aides for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2022 election, reported Reuters citing sources.

Brazil’s federal police, on Thursday (Feb 8) sought to seize former President Jair Bolsonaro’s passport and arrest some of his closest aides for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2022 election, reported Reuters citing sources. Bolsonaro to surrender passport The police said that they were carrying out dozens of search and seizure operations and executing four arrest warrants to target a “criminal organization involved in the attempted coup,” that would have kept Bolsonaro in power after his election defeat. The coup attempt in question was when thousands of supporters of the former president stormed the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court last year in January after Bolsanaro lost to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, the former president was not himself the target of a search but was ordered to forfeit his passport, an officer with knowledge of the operation told the Associated Press. ALSO READ | Brazil intelligence agency’s second-in-command fired in Bolsonaro illegal spying probe The federal police said that they were carrying out 33 searches and seeking four arrests in eight states and Brasilia, the country’s capital. The police also said that the group under investigation prepared to claim fraud in the 2022 election, even before voting took place, “in order to enable and legitimize a military intervention.” The raids, authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Morae, also ordered that multiple suspects – who were not named – be suspended from public duties and surrender their passports within 24 hours. Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro’s lawyer, took to X and confirmed that the former president would comply with the order. The former president has already been ruled politically ineligible until 2030 for spreading election falsehoods and is facing several criminal probes. Search warrants were also issued for properties linked to Walter Braga Netto, Bolsonaro’s former running mate; Augusto Heleno, his former national security adviser; former Defense Minister Paulo Nogueira Batista and former Justice Minister Anderson Torres, among others, reported Reuters citing sources. Lula responds Amid the ongoing investigation and raids, the incumbent president said the coup attempt had to be investigated to keep it from happening again. Notably, the riots came a week after Lula’s inauguration in January 2023. ALSO READ | Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe Bolsonaro, who was in the United States at the time of the riots has repeatedly denied responsibility and called the investigation politically motivated. When asked about the investigation during a radio interview, on Thursday, Lula said it wasn’t his place to comment about a sealed investigation. “A lot of people should be investigated, because it is concrete fact that there was an attempted coup, there was a policy of disrespecting democracy, there was an attempt to destroy something we built so many years ago, which is the democratic process,” he added. “Without Bolsonaro there would have been no coup attempt," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil police to seize former prez Bolsonaro’s passport, arrest close aides amid alleged coup investigation

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro might face 11 criminal charges with regards to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a Senator who is in charge of an investigative panel has revealed.&nbsp;

Renan Calheiros in a radio interview said the probe will recommend charges such as genocide against the country's indigenous population, malfeasance, irregular use of public funds, violation of sanitary measures, incitement to crime and forgery of private documents, Reuters&nbsp;reported.&nbsp;

Along with Bolsonaro, the President’s sons and his former health minister Eduardo Pazuello are also likely to&nbsp;be charged, Calheiros said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-brazilian-president-zula-blasts-imbecile-bolsonaro-for-mishandling-pandemic-369525">Former Brazilian President Zula blasts 'imbecile' Bolsonaro for mishandling pandemic</a>

The report is scheduled to be released by the Senate investigative panel next Tuesday. And on the next day, the panel's members would vote on approving the text before sending it on the attorney general’s office on Thursday to decide if Bolsonaro and others should be charged.

The attorney general's office can charge the president, but the Supreme Court, which would try him, must request authorization from the lower house to proceed. Experts say the lower house is highly unlikely to sign off on such a request.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-booed-on-plane-tells-critics-to-take-a-donkey-391010">Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey'</a>

The far-right president, who himself was infected with the coronavirus in July 2020, has spoken against lockdown measures, pushed unproven cures, sowed vaccine doubts and downplayed the severity of COVID-19.

Bolsonaro's approval ratings have fallen in public opinion polls over his handling of the public health crisis. More than 600,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, second only to the United States.

When asked about the country’s death toll, Bolsonaro said he did not want to be “bored” with questions about it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro might face 11 criminal charges with regards to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a Senator who is in charge of an investigative panel has revealed.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro might face 11 criminal charges with regards to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a Senator who is in charge of an investigative panel has revealed. Renan Calheiros in a radio interview said the probe will recommend charges such as genocide against the country's indigenous population, malfeasance, irregular use of public funds, violation of sanitary measures, incitement to crime and forgery of private documents, Reuters reported. Along with Bolsonaro, the President’s sons and his former health minister Eduardo Pazuello are also likely to be charged, Calheiros said. Also read | Former Brazilian President Zula blasts 'imbecile' Bolsonaro for mishandling pandemic The report is scheduled to be released by the Senate investigative panel next Tuesday. And on the next day, the panel's members would vote on approving the text before sending it on the attorney general’s office on Thursday to decide if Bolsonaro and others should be charged. The attorney general's office can charge the president, but the Supreme Court, which would try him, must request authorization from the lower house to proceed. Experts say the lower house is highly unlikely to sign off on such a request. Also read | Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey' The far-right president, who himself was infected with the coronavirus in July 2020, has spoken against lockdown measures, pushed unproven cures, sowed vaccine doubts and downplayed the severity of COVID-19. Bolsonaro's approval ratings have fallen in public opinion polls over his handling of the public health crisis. More than 600,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, second only to the United States. When asked about the country’s death toll, Bolsonaro said he did not want to be “bored” with questions about it. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro may face criminal charges for Covid deaths

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y."&nbsp;

"Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo.&nbsp; 
 
The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters.&nbsp; 
 
When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life."&nbsp; 
 
Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?"&nbsp; 
 
Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said.&nbsp; 
 
The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus.&nbsp; 
 
"As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y." "Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo. The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters. When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life." Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?" Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said. The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement. Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country. Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus. "As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining. 
 
Bolsonaro, flanked by army officers and wearing a feather head-dress, watched members of the local Tukano community perform a ritual dance at the Balaio reservation, where he inaugurated a bridge. 
 
Regional indigenous leaders from the upper reaches of the Rio Negro river said they were not invited to see Bolsonaro and that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year. 
 
"Our institution is three decades old but we were not included in the president`s agenda or any dialogue on public polices for the region," the Federation of Rio Negro Indigenous Organizations said in a statement. "He met with self-proclaimed leaders to produce fake news." 
 
The president`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The wooden bridge that Bolsonaro inaugurated was built by the Brazilian army on a road that runs to the border with Venezuela, passing through the Balaio reservation, where major reserves of niobium have been found. 
 
The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that Brazil must exploit. 
 
The Balaio reservation is above the Rio Negro at the north-western tip of Brazil bordering Colombia and Venezuela. 
 
Bolsonaro later visited and stayed overnight at a military frontier post in Maturacá, which is located at the western end of the Yanomami reservation, the largest in Brazil. 
 
The reservation`s eastern section in the state of Roraima has been invaded by more than 20,000 illegal gold miners, who have been emboldened by Bolsonaro`s support for the legalization of wildcat mining in Brazil. 
 
Yanomami leaders deplored the far-right president`s visit to their reservation and repeated their calls for authorities to expel the miners. 
 
"The government must urgently remove the invaders from our territories to safeguard our health and that of Mother Earth," they said in a letter to Bolsonaro. 
 
"We do not accept the legalization of mining activities on our lands, because it will not bring the Yanomami any benefit," the letter signed by leaders from Maturacá said. 
 
Bolsonaro`s visit came the day after gold miners illegally prospecting on indigenous lands along the Tapajos river in the Amazon shot at a Munduruku village and burned down the house of one of its leaders. 
 
The lower house of Brazil`s Congress, where Bolsonaro supporters have a majority, is currently considering legislation proposed by the government that would open the door to commercial mining and agriculture on indigenous reservations. 
&nbsp;

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining.

Brazil`s President Jair Bolsonaro visited two indigenous reservations in the Amazon on Thursday for the first time as head of state, despite protests from some tribal leaders against his drive to open up their protected lands to commercial mining. Bolsonaro, flanked by army officers and wearing a feather head-dress, watched members of the local Tukano community perform a ritual dance at the Balaio reservation, where he inaugurated a bridge. Regional indigenous leaders from the upper reaches of the Rio Negro river said they were not invited to see Bolsonaro and that he only met with unrepresentative chiefs in a photo opportunity for his re-election campaign next year. "Our institution is three decades old but we were not included in the president`s agenda or any dialogue on public polices for the region," the Federation of Rio Negro Indigenous Organizations said in a statement. "He met with self-proclaimed leaders to produce fake news." The president`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The wooden bridge that Bolsonaro inaugurated was built by the Brazilian army on a road that runs to the border with Venezuela, passing through the Balaio reservation, where major reserves of niobium have been found. The metal is used to make light-weight steel for jet engines and other special applications. Bolsonaro has regularly mentioned its value in speeches about the untapped riches of the Amazon that Brazil must exploit. The Balaio reservation is above the Rio Negro at the north-western tip of Brazil bordering Colombia and Venezuela. Bolsonaro later visited and stayed overnight at a military frontier post in Maturacá, which is located at the western end of the Yanomami reservation, the largest in Brazil. The reservation`s eastern section in the state of Roraima has been invaded by more than 20,000 illegal gold miners, who have been emboldened by Bolsonaro`s support for the legalization of wildcat mining in Brazil. Yanomami leaders deplored the far-right president`s visit to their reservation and repeated their calls for authorities to expel the miners. "The government must urgently remove the invaders from our territories to safeguard our health and that of Mother Earth," they said in a letter to Bolsonaro. "We do not accept the legalization of mining activities on our lands, because it will not bring the Yanomami any benefit," the letter signed by leaders from Maturacá said. Bolsonaro`s visit came the day after gold miners illegally prospecting on indigenous lands along the Tapajos river in the Amazon shot at a Munduruku village and burned down the house of one of its leaders. The lower house of Brazil`s Congress, where Bolsonaro supporters have a majority, is currently considering legislation proposed by the government that would open the door to commercial mining and agriculture on indigenous reservations.

Bolsonaro visits indigenous lands in Amazon despite protests

Brazil's health ministry reported 10,982 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-announces-new-restrictions-amid-coronavirus-surge-in-europe-336284">coronavirus</a> cases and 230 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the country continues&nbsp;to grapple with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-of-brazilians-face-dire-poverty-if-covid-19-emergency-payments-stop-333880">Also Read:&nbsp;Millions of Brazilians face dire poverty if Covid-19 emergency payments stop</a>

The latest infection rate comes as the country last week passed the 150,000 death toll mark as Latin America and the Caribbean marked 10 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-european-country-has-decided-to-test-all-citizens-for-covid-19-336204">COVID-19</a> cases.

Brazil had reported its first virus fatality in March, since then the number of cases has surged past 5.2 million cases with the death toll climbing to over 153, 675.&nbsp;

Brazil has the third-highest infection rate in the world after the United States and India and the second-worst death toll in the world after the United States where 219,672 people have died due to the virus.

The World Bank had said that Latin America and the Caribbean would be the worst-hit form the virus in the economic and health sectors.

"Our region is suffering the worst economic and health impacts of Covid-19 of anywhere in the world," Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank's regional vice president said.

The World Bank had forecast recovery for the region with growth of 4.0 per cent next year.

The total virus cases globally has risen past 400,000 as Europe has emerged as the epicentre of the virus with 140,000 cases a day over the past week.

 
&nbsp;

Brazil's health ministry reported 10,982 coronavirus cases and 230 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the country continues to grapple with the virus. Also Read: Millions of Brazilians face dire poverty if Covid-19 emergency payments stop The latest infection rate comes as the country last week passed the 150,000 death toll mark as Latin America and the Caribbean marked 10 million COVID-19 cases.

Brazil's health ministry reported 10,982 coronavirus cases and 230 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the country continues to grapple with the virus. Also Read: Millions of Brazilians face dire poverty if Covid-19 emergency payments stop The latest infection rate comes as the country last week passed the 150,000 death toll mark as Latin America and the Caribbean marked 10 million COVID-19 cases. Brazil had reported its first virus fatality in March, since then the number of cases has surged past 5.2 million cases with the death toll climbing to over 153, 675. Brazil has the third-highest infection rate in the world after the United States and India and the second-worst death toll in the world after the United States where 219,672 people have died due to the virus. The World Bank had said that Latin America and the Caribbean would be the worst-hit form the virus in the economic and health sectors. "Our region is suffering the worst economic and health impacts of Covid-19 of anywhere in the world," Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank's regional vice president said. The World Bank had forecast recovery for the region with growth of 4.0 per cent next year. The total virus cases globally has risen past 400,000 as Europe has emerged as the epicentre of the virus with 140,000 cases a day over the past week.

Brazil reports over 10,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours; fatalities rises to over 153, 600

Brazil saw protests and demonstrations as locals&nbsp;urged the closing of the Supreme Court for investigating the right-wing leader, as one of its justices compared the risks to Brazil’s democracy with Hitler’s Germany.

To support the protesters, Brazilian President&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro joined a rally on Sunday on horseback in Brasilia.

He flew in a military helicopter over the rally. The protesters welcomed him and claimed this move boosted their morale. The protesters were seen holding banners calling for shutting down Brazil’s Congress and top court, known as the STF.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-33274-new-coronavirus-cases-surpasses-france-in-deaths-302080">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil records 33,274 new coronavirus cases, surpasses France in deaths</a>

Brazilian President has slammed the top court for investigating his interference in police affairs and opening an inquiry into his supporters’ alleged libel and intimidation campaigns on social media.

Opposing the orders, Bolsonaro called this to be "absurd orders", and warned the locals that this decision&nbsp;may “plunge Brazil into a political crisis.”

The President has served as an&nbsp;army captain and defender of Brazil’s 1964-1985 military government.

Supreme Court Justice Celso de Mello, who is responsible for investigating a former justice minister’s allegation that Bolsonaro tried to meddle with law enforcement for personal reasons, said the president’s supporters were seeking a military dictatorship.

“We must resist the destruction of the democratic order to avoid what happened in the Weimar Republic when Hitler, after he was elected by popular vote ... did not hesitate annulling the constitution and imposing a totalitarian system in 1933,” de Mello told other judges in a message, as reported by a media organization.

COVID 19 threat

This move by the Brazilian President gained him criticism for not wearing masks and breaking protocols of social distancing, as Brazil struggles to flatten the curve.

Bolsonaro landed amid the protesters in a helicopter, where he walked and shook hands with the prosters, and then trotted out of the demonstration on a horseback.

He was spotted without a facemask and gloves, and shook hands with protesters. This has raised questions about the President not paying heed to the social distancing guidelines in an already coronsvirus-hit country.

Brazil has&nbsp;498,440 total cases, including&nbsp;28,834 deaths.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Brazil saw protests and demonstrations as locals urged the closing of the Supreme Court for investigating the right-wing leader, as one of its justices compared the risks to Brazil’s democracy with Hitler’s Germany.

Brazil saw protests and demonstrations as locals urged the closing of the Supreme Court for investigating the right-wing leader, as one of its justices compared the risks to Brazil’s democracy with Hitler’s Germany. To support the protesters, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro joined a rally on Sunday on horseback in Brasilia. He flew in a military helicopter over the rally. The protesters welcomed him and claimed this move boosted their morale. The protesters were seen holding banners calling for shutting down Brazil’s Congress and top court, known as the STF. Also read: Brazil records 33,274 new coronavirus cases, surpasses France in deaths Brazilian President has slammed the top court for investigating his interference in police affairs and opening an inquiry into his supporters’ alleged libel and intimidation campaigns on social media. Opposing the orders, Bolsonaro called this to be "absurd orders", and warned the locals that this decision may “plunge Brazil into a political crisis.” The President has served as an army captain and defender of Brazil’s 1964-1985 military government. Supreme Court Justice Celso de Mello, who is responsible for investigating a former justice minister’s allegation that Bolsonaro tried to meddle with law enforcement for personal reasons, said the president’s supporters were seeking a military dictatorship. “We must resist the destruction of the democratic order to avoid what happened in the Weimar Republic when Hitler, after he was elected by popular vote ... did not hesitate annulling the constitution and imposing a totalitarian system in 1933,” de Mello told other judges in a message, as reported by a media organization. COVID 19 threat This move by the Brazilian President gained him criticism for not wearing masks and breaking protocols of social distancing, as Brazil struggles to flatten the curve. Bolsonaro landed amid the protesters in a helicopter, where he walked and shook hands with the prosters, and then trotted out of the demonstration on a horseback. He was spotted without a facemask and gloves, and shook hands with protesters. This has raised questions about the President not paying heed to the social distancing guidelines in an already coronsvirus-hit country. Brazil has 498,440 total cases, including 28,834 deaths. (With inputs from Reuters)

From helicopter to horseback, Brazilian President Bolsonaro breaks COVID 19 protocol to join protesters

Brazil’s health minister,&nbsp;Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health.

Nelson Teich took the office on April&nbsp;April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-brazil-struggles-to-curb-coronavirus-pandemic-298958">Also watch:&nbsp;Bolsonaro's Brazil struggles to curb coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>

The resignation, which was confirmed by the Health Ministry, points towards the&nbsp;upheaval that the country is facing right now. Brazil's approach towards the coronavirus pandemic has been criticized in the past few weeks.

This sudden resignation has left the nation in surprise, more so because the man replacing Teich is someone who has no experience of the health industry.&nbsp;General Eduardo Pazuello, Mr. Teich’s number two, had no health experience until he joined the ministry last month. He will now be replacing Teich temporarily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-struggling-to-cope-up-with-surge-in-dead-bodies-due-to-covid-19-298899">Brazil struggling to cope up with surge in dead bodies due to COVID-19</a>

The resignation comes a day after&nbsp;Bolsonaro held a video conference to inform the leaders that he will be easing out rules for the use of antimalaria drug to treat&nbsp;COVID-19 patients; a move that has been opposed by Teich publically. He has gone to the limit to warning the experts and public about its side effects.

He was praised by many leaders in the government for his active and right decision making power. However, after his predecessor was fired, and the President gave a green signal for usage of antimalaria drug, Teich submitted his resignation.

Brazil has reported 13,000 deaths as of now. However, officials and experts feel that the number of cases and death toll might be higher, as the country has not been actively testing for coronavirus patients.

Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health.

Brazil’s health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned on Friday after less than a month on the job. This resignation points towards the Brazilian President's pressure for the nation to prioritize economy over public's health. Nelson Teich took the office on April April 17. He took over at a time when the country is under severe pressure to balance the public health with the President's view of saving the economy. Also watch: Bolsonaro's Brazil struggles to curb coronavirus pandemic The resignation, which was confirmed by the Health Ministry, points towards the upheaval that the country is facing right now. Brazil's approach towards the coronavirus pandemic has been criticized in the past few weeks. This sudden resignation has left the nation in surprise, more so because the man replacing Teich is someone who has no experience of the health industry. General Eduardo Pazuello, Mr. Teich’s number two, had no health experience until he joined the ministry last month. He will now be replacing Teich temporarily. Also read: Brazil struggling to cope up with surge in dead bodies due to COVID-19 The resignation comes a day after Bolsonaro held a video conference to inform the leaders that he will be easing out rules for the use of antimalaria drug to treat COVID-19 patients; a move that has been opposed by Teich publically. He has gone to the limit to warning the experts and public about its side effects. He was praised by many leaders in the government for his active and right decision making power. However, after his predecessor was fired, and the President gave a green signal for usage of antimalaria drug, Teich submitted his resignation. Brazil has reported 13,000 deaths as of now. However, officials and experts feel that the number of cases and death toll might be higher, as the country has not been actively testing for coronavirus patients.

Brazil’s health minister resigns after less than a month on job

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires &nbsp;S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic.

India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests.&nbsp;

Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil.&nbsp;

The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour.&nbsp;

They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine.

PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times."

WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis.

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble...&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 &amp; + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with&nbsp;all relevant advisories on travel and visa.

Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo &amp; Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams.

Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities.&nbsp;

We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity".&nbsp;

We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil.

WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized.

These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one&nbsp;hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients &amp; contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues.&nbsp;

Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program.

WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too.

S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families.&nbsp;

We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc.

As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals. WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis? S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic. India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests. Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil. The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour. They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine. PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times." WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about? S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble... S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 & + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with all relevant advisories on travel and visa. Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo & Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams. Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities. We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity". We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil. WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil? S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized. These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients & contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues. Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program. WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too. S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families. We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc. As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

530 kg HCQ consignment cleared for Brazil, says India's top diplomat in Brazil

A famous soap opera actress met Monday with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to talk about becoming culture secretary, replacing a man fired over a speech that appeared to quote Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
"We are engaged," actress Regina Duarte, 72, said after meeting with Bolsonaro, according to a statement issued by his office. 
It said Duarte will travel to the capital Brasilia Wednesday to tour the culture secretariat complex. 
 
"We had an excellent conversation about the future of culture in Brazil. We began a 'commitment' that might bear fruit for the country," Bolsonaro tweeted later. 
 
Local news organizations said Duarte will, in fact, be named culture secretary. 
 
Duarte has starred in many Brazilian soap operas over the course of a TV career spanning five decades. 
 
After the meeting with the president, local media said Duarte had asked for a trial period as secretary of culture. 
 
After taking power a year ago, Bolsonaro downgraded the culture ministry to a secretariat that was part of the Citizenship Ministry and later transferred it to be under the Tourism Ministry. Duarte would be the fourth person under Bolsonaro to hold the job. 
 
It became available Friday after the man who held it, Roberto Alvim, was fired over a speech in which he appeared to quote Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.

"Brazil art over the next decade will be heroic and national," said Alvim, sitting behind a desk as he stared intensely at the camera, with a picture of Bolsonaro behind him, a Brazilian flag to one side and two-barred cross to the other. 
 
"It will be endowed with a great capacity for emotional involvement and will also be imperative, because it will be profoundly linked to the urgent aspirations of our people, or it will be nothing," he said, speaking in Portuguese. 
 
The wording was similar to phrases attributed to Goebbels in a biography written by German holocaust expert Peter Longerich and published originally in German in 2010. 
 
"German art over the next decade will be heroic, it will be resolutely romantic, it will be objective and free of sentimentality," Goebbels was quoted in the book as saying in German. 
 
"It will be national with great poignancy and also imperative or it will be nothing."

A famous soap opera actress met Monday with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to talk about becoming culture secretary, replacing a man fired over a speech that appeared to quote Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.

A famous soap opera actress met Monday with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to talk about becoming culture secretary, replacing a man fired over a speech that appeared to quote Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. "We are engaged," actress Regina Duarte, 72, said after meeting with Bolsonaro, according to a statement issued by his office. It said Duarte will travel to the capital Brasilia Wednesday to tour the culture secretariat complex. "We had an excellent conversation about the future of culture in Brazil. We began a 'commitment' that might bear fruit for the country," Bolsonaro tweeted later. Local news organizations said Duarte will, in fact, be named culture secretary. Duarte has starred in many Brazilian soap operas over the course of a TV career spanning five decades. After the meeting with the president, local media said Duarte had asked for a trial period as secretary of culture. After taking power a year ago, Bolsonaro downgraded the culture ministry to a secretariat that was part of the Citizenship Ministry and later transferred it to be under the Tourism Ministry. Duarte would be the fourth person under Bolsonaro to hold the job. It became available Friday after the man who held it, Roberto Alvim, was fired over a speech in which he appeared to quote Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. "Brazil art over the next decade will be heroic and national," said Alvim, sitting behind a desk as he stared intensely at the camera, with a picture of Bolsonaro behind him, a Brazilian flag to one side and two-barred cross to the other. "It will be endowed with a great capacity for emotional involvement and will also be imperative, because it will be profoundly linked to the urgent aspirations of our people, or it will be nothing," he said, speaking in Portuguese. The wording was similar to phrases attributed to Goebbels in a biography written by German holocaust expert Peter Longerich and published originally in German in 2010. "German art over the next decade will be heroic, it will be resolutely romantic, it will be objective and free of sentimentality," Goebbels was quoted in the book as saying in German. "It will be national with great poignancy and also imperative or it will be nothing."

Soap opera actress reportedly in line to be Brazil's culture chief

Brazilian President Bolsonaro asks his son Eduardo to become the ambassador to the US. Watch this video to know more of the story.