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Brazilian police prepare for pro-government rallies Brazil crisis: Thousands join pro-Dilma Rousseff rallies
(about 2 hours later)
Brazilian police have used tear gas on anti-government protestors in Sao Paulo ahead of pro-government rallies. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Brazil to show support to President Dilma Rousseff, who is facing calls for her impeachment.
Protests against President Dilma Rousseff erupted in several cities two days ago after she appointed her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as a minister. Earlier, police used tear gas on anti-government protestors in Sao Paulo.
President Rousseff is accused of shielding Lula from charges of money-laundering, which he denies. Several protests against Ms Rousseff erupted two days ago after she appointed her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as a minister.
Protesters have called for President Roussef to be impeached. Ms Rousseff is accused of shielding Lula from charges of money-laundering, which he denies.
They have accused her of economic mismanagement and involvement in a sprawling corruption scandal in the state oil company, Petrobras. Opponents who have called for the president's removal also accuse her of economic mismanagement and involvement in a sprawling corruption scandal in the state oil company Petrobras. She denies wrongdoings.
President Rousseff insisted that she appointed Lula, who had started to make overtures to stand for president in 2018, to help her rebuild her political base in Congress and fight the impeachment proceedings. Lula: The most hated and loved man in Brazil
A second injunction against Lula taking up his role as chief of staff was struck down by a court in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. What the Petrobras scandal is about
Lula is likely to face more legal challenges to him joining the government since anti-government protestors believe his appointment was made to grant him immunity from money-laundering charges that he denies. Rousseff faces a perfect storm
If appointed as a a minister, any charges against him can only be dealt with by the Supreme Court, which operates more slowly. Government supporters wearing the red of the Workers' Party gathered on Sao Paulo's Paulista Avenue amid a heavy police presence.
An impeachment committee in the lower house of Congress held its first session Friday and said it expected to reach a decision within a month on whether to recommend removing the president. Many of the protesters carried photos of Ms Rousseff and Lula and signs saying "There will not be a coup".
The nationwide rallies on Friday are the first time that the government has massed the ranks of supporters since Lula was briefly arrested last week. Lula, who remains a popular leader, joined the protest in Sao Paulo early in the evening.
The government aims to prove the strength of its support among the poor majority of Brazilians after millions of people came out on the streets last week to protest against President Dilma Rousseff's government and against corruption. Organisers said about 250,000 people were demonstrating there, but authorities did not give an official estimate.
Smaller rallies were also held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and dozens of other cities.
Hours earlier, riot police dispersed anti-government protesters who had blocked the same central Sao Paulo thoroughfare since Wednesday evening, when demonstrations erupted against Lula's appointment as minister.
Who is Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva?
The nationwide rallies on Friday are the first time the government has massed the ranks of supporters since Lula was briefly arrested earlier this month.
They come after mass protests across Brazil on Sunday against corruption and calling for Ms Rousseff's departure. Estimates of the turnout range from one million to three milllion demonstrators.
Uncertainty over Lula
Ms Rousseff insisted that she appointed Lula, who had started to make overtures to stand for president in 2018, to help her rebuild her political base in Congress and fight the impeachment proceedings.
However, his legal situation as minister remains uncertain as the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the government's request to settle the matter.
Opponents filed numerous court requests to suspend Lula's appointment, on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and obstructed justice.
They believe the move was made to grant him immunity from money-laundering charges that he denies.
If appointed as minister, any charges against him can only be dealt with by the Supreme Court, which operates more slowly, and not by the judge in the southern city of Curitiba who is overseeing Operation Car Wash into allegations of corruption at Petrobras.
Ms Rousseff and her supporters accuse judge Sergio Moro of political interference.
Meanwhile, an impeachment committee in the lower house of Congress held its first session Friday and said it expected to reach a decision within a month on whether to recommend removing Ms Rousseff.
The process is over allegations that Ms Rousseff mismanaged the federal budget.