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Brazil supreme court rejects Dilma Rousseff's last minute appeal – live Brazil supreme court rejects Dilma Rousseff's last minute appeal – live
(35 minutes later)
7.57pm BST
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Rousseff has found at least one friend in the Senate and a few outside it. Senator Telmário Mota took the podium to ask: “What country is this?”
“We want a country that respects the law and the constitution and democracy,” he said. “This impeachment was born of revenge, hatred and revenge.”
The newspaper Correio Braziliense points out via tweet that Mota’s question happens to invoke the Brazilian rock band Legião Urbana, whose third album was titled “What country is this?”
Senador Telmário Mota (PDT/RR) pergunta: "Que país é esse?" https://t.co/rwxW256blV pic.twitter.com/7QiTc4jGeD
And outside, pro-Rousseff protesters are setting up for a show once the Senate finally gets round to voting.
"Democracy, yes! No coup!" pic.twitter.com/7faxe5AsNe
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Inside Congress, a football (soccer) star turned senator, Romário de Souza Faria, has taken the podium.
“It’s undeniable that the country is going through a very serious crisis,” he says. “The crisis has a political element, but it’s not limited to this.”
He says that senators have to take charge of the government and enact emergency measures. As for Dilma Rousseff, he says “From everything I’ve read, heard and understand, I have concluded that there’s evidence of a crime of responsibility by the president.”
He’s going to vote for impeachment.
Por isso, votarei pela admissão do processo de impeachment.
Outside Congress, a small group of protesters circles for drums and a little half-hearted shuffle dance.
pic.twitter.com/3hYDABE7ch
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Senator Magno Malta is at the podium, the ninth senator of 68 who were slated to speak – Brazilian press are reporting that the Senate may skip some speeches to get to the actual vote.Senator Magno Malta is at the podium, the ninth senator of 68 who were slated to speak – Brazilian press are reporting that the Senate may skip some speeches to get to the actual vote.
Malta is not wasting his opportunity. He too is in favor of impeachment. He’s waving an accusatory finger at the Senate and shouting at his colleagues about the dire state of Brazil, comparing corruption to diseases: “like diabetics, we have to amputate the limb”.Malta is not wasting his opportunity. He too is in favor of impeachment. He’s waving an accusatory finger at the Senate and shouting at his colleagues about the dire state of Brazil, comparing corruption to diseases: “like diabetics, we have to amputate the limb”.
He starts yelling about how Rousseff’s Workers’ Party is “against the family” and wants to legalize abortion. “My children educate me, not these people.”He starts yelling about how Rousseff’s Workers’ Party is “against the family” and wants to legalize abortion. “My children educate me, not these people.”
He receives polite applause once the bell rings out his time on the floor.He receives polite applause once the bell rings out his time on the floor.
Brazil senator currently speaking says Rousseff is "gangrene" & needs to be amputated.Brazil senator currently speaking says Rousseff is "gangrene" & needs to be amputated.
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Many Brazilians have blamed Rousseff for dragging the economy into the worst recession in decades, and her impeachment hinges on related charges: using government funds to hide signs of trouble.Many Brazilians have blamed Rousseff for dragging the economy into the worst recession in decades, and her impeachment hinges on related charges: using government funds to hide signs of trouble.
Senators Lúcia Vânia and Zexe Perella have also brought up the economy: they’re the sixth and seventh senators to speak in favor of impeachment today.Senators Lúcia Vânia and Zexe Perella have also brought up the economy: they’re the sixth and seventh senators to speak in favor of impeachment today.
But does the future really look brighter with any of Rousseff’s successors? Brian Winter, vice-president of the American Society/Council of the Americas, writes for Vox that whoever replaces Rousseff has more to do than rectify her mistakes.But does the future really look brighter with any of Rousseff’s successors? Brian Winter, vice-president of the American Society/Council of the Americas, writes for Vox that whoever replaces Rousseff has more to do than rectify her mistakes.
Her disastrous handling of the government budget (and ensuing fudging of the numbers, for which she is facing impeachment), her refusal to engage in a new wave of economic reform, and her mismanagement of the corruption scandalat state-run oil company Petrobras have destroyed much of the goodwill and stability that previous governments in Brazil had painstakingly built over the past 20 years.Her disastrous handling of the government budget (and ensuing fudging of the numbers, for which she is facing impeachment), her refusal to engage in a new wave of economic reform, and her mismanagement of the corruption scandalat state-run oil company Petrobras have destroyed much of the goodwill and stability that previous governments in Brazil had painstakingly built over the past 20 years.
Vice-president Michel Termer would be “a clear upgrade” on economics, Winter continues.Vice-president Michel Termer would be “a clear upgrade” on economics, Winter continues.
Based on his probable picks for finance minister and other key cabinet positions, Temer will be much less likely than Rousseff to meddle in areas of the economy such as interest rates, or the rate of return for investors on infrastructure projects, that are best left to independent regulators or the private sector.Based on his probable picks for finance minister and other key cabinet positions, Temer will be much less likely than Rousseff to meddle in areas of the economy such as interest rates, or the rate of return for investors on infrastructure projects, that are best left to independent regulators or the private sector.
Temer may even take on longstanding obstacles to growth such as Brazil’s tax code (which the World Bank has called the world’s most complex) and the gaping hole in its pension system.Temer may even take on longstanding obstacles to growth such as Brazil’s tax code (which the World Bank has called the world’s most complex) and the gaping hole in its pension system.
But Temer’s going to have to make unpopular decisions if he wants to improve the economy, Winter argues – and that’s assuming his own legal troubles do not torpedo his administration from the start.But Temer’s going to have to make unpopular decisions if he wants to improve the economy, Winter argues – and that’s assuming his own legal troubles do not torpedo his administration from the start.
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Six senators have taken turns so far at the Senate podium (of a planned 68 ) to argue for and against impeachment. Most have spoken about the economic crisis – unemployment and inflation are hovering near 10% – and Rousseff’s handling of it.Six senators have taken turns so far at the Senate podium (of a planned 68 ) to argue for and against impeachment. Most have spoken about the economic crisis – unemployment and inflation are hovering near 10% – and Rousseff’s handling of it.
Two senators asked to delay the proceedings in Rousseff’s favor before the formal turns at debate began, but they were overruled, and the supreme court later rejected Rousseff’s appeal to halt the vote.Two senators asked to delay the proceedings in Rousseff’s favor before the formal turns at debate began, but they were overruled, and the supreme court later rejected Rousseff’s appeal to halt the vote.
All six senators at the podium have argued for impeachment. The most recent brought a chart.All six senators at the podium have argued for impeachment. The most recent brought a chart.
Now a senator is showing a bar chart while he gives his remarks. #impeachment pic.twitter.com/EMwaGZKBuJNow a senator is showing a bar chart while he gives his remarks. #impeachment pic.twitter.com/EMwaGZKBuJ
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The Senate is back at long last from its extended lunch break, with leader Renan Calheiro chatting idly before starting off the session to impeach the president.The Senate is back at long last from its extended lunch break, with leader Renan Calheiro chatting idly before starting off the session to impeach the president.
“We can’t really rush history,” he says, per Folha’s Leandro Colon.“We can’t really rush history,” he says, per Folha’s Leandro Colon.
Renan batendo papo com senadores antes de recomeçar sessão pic.twitter.com/Y2yV59uN5aRenan batendo papo com senadores antes de recomeçar sessão pic.twitter.com/Y2yV59uN5a
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Rousseff ally all but surrendersRousseff ally all but surrenders
Humberto Costa, the leader of the Workers Party in the Senate, has all but admitted defeat for Dilma Rousseff, whose second term seems on the verge of an abrupt early end to the party’s hold of the presidency.Humberto Costa, the leader of the Workers Party in the Senate, has all but admitted defeat for Dilma Rousseff, whose second term seems on the verge of an abrupt early end to the party’s hold of the presidency.
“There are no other paths for us but opposition,” he just said in a televised interview.“There are no other paths for us but opposition,” he just said in a televised interview.
On his Twitter account, however, he continues to rail against what he sees as a flawed process. “It is a scandal, this process of impeachment,” he wrote in one tweet. “Full of irremediable vices. It is a typical constitutional coup, a civil military uprising.”On his Twitter account, however, he continues to rail against what he sees as a flawed process. “It is a scandal, this process of impeachment,” he wrote in one tweet. “Full of irremediable vices. It is a typical constitutional coup, a civil military uprising.”
In another he wrote: “this impeachment process is clear: one side wants democracy, the other a coup.”In another he wrote: “this impeachment process is clear: one side wants democracy, the other a coup.”
Esse processo de impeachment é claro: de um lado, nós temos a democracia. Do outro, o golpe. pic.twitter.com/0NZgMsIQUaEsse processo de impeachment é claro: de um lado, nós temos a democracia. Do outro, o golpe. pic.twitter.com/0NZgMsIQUa
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Rousseff will address Brazil after the Senate votes on her impeachment, perhaps reading the signs so far as a near certainty that Congress will put her on trial.Rousseff will address Brazil after the Senate votes on her impeachment, perhaps reading the signs so far as a near certainty that Congress will put her on trial.
Dilma to address the nation after vote https://t.co/UEw4SC0Tz7Dilma to address the nation after vote https://t.co/UEw4SC0Tz7
“With the confirmed exist of Dilma, the balance will be in 52 years only four presidents will have been directly elected,” Folha reporter Fabiano Misonnave tweets. “Of those half suffered impeachment.”“With the confirmed exist of Dilma, the balance will be in 52 years only four presidents will have been directly elected,” Folha reporter Fabiano Misonnave tweets. “Of those half suffered impeachment.”
Confirmada a saída da #Dilma, o balanço será este: em 52 anos, apenas 4 presidentes eleitos diretamente. Desses, metade sofreu #impeachmentConfirmada a saída da #Dilma, o balanço será este: em 52 anos, apenas 4 presidentes eleitos diretamente. Desses, metade sofreu #impeachment
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The senators take their time.The senators take their time.
Senate taking an extended lunch break here. No rush. Nothing big on the agenda. Only impeaching the president...Senate taking an extended lunch break here. No rush. Nothing big on the agenda. Only impeaching the president...
People wait in the shade for Senate vote in 84°F Brasília. pic.twitter.com/vG7c2UpMIlPeople wait in the shade for Senate vote in 84°F Brasília. pic.twitter.com/vG7c2UpMIl
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What would follow impeachment?What would follow impeachment?
Jonathan WattsJonathan Watts
With few senators standing up for Rousseff so far – though we are only five speakers into a supposed 68 planned – impeachment and suspension are looking more and more likely. At the Senate in Brasilia my colleague Jon Watts runs through the possibilities of what would happen next.With few senators standing up for Rousseff so far – though we are only five speakers into a supposed 68 planned – impeachment and suspension are looking more and more likely. At the Senate in Brasilia my colleague Jon Watts runs through the possibilities of what would happen next.
If the suspension of Rousseff goes ahead, the presidential line of succession will have been decimated in the past week, with possibly more to come.If the suspension of Rousseff goes ahead, the presidential line of succession will have been decimated in the past week, with possibly more to come.
Normally, this is how it looks:Normally, this is how it looks:
But here’s the situation today:But here’s the situation today:
In conclusion: two of the five are likely to be suspended by tomorrow, another two are under investigation, and the final potential successor is an unelected judge who is about to be replaced. I’d guess the odds on Lucia, who is not even in the frame right now, becoming president by the end of the year might be shorter than those last August for Leicester winning the Premiership.In conclusion: two of the five are likely to be suspended by tomorrow, another two are under investigation, and the final potential successor is an unelected judge who is about to be replaced. I’d guess the odds on Lucia, who is not even in the frame right now, becoming president by the end of the year might be shorter than those last August for Leicester winning the Premiership.
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Supreme court rejects Rousseff appealSupreme court rejects Rousseff appeal
Brazil’s supreme court has rejected her last minute appeal to stop the impeachment vote. The president’s senatorial allies had argued this morning that the Senate should at least wait until the supreme court had ruled on the appeal, which was likely Rousseff’s last opportunity to prevent an ouster.Brazil’s supreme court has rejected her last minute appeal to stop the impeachment vote. The president’s senatorial allies had argued this morning that the Senate should at least wait until the supreme court had ruled on the appeal, which was likely Rousseff’s last opportunity to prevent an ouster.
Brazilian Supreme Court rejects government request to annul impeachment. Escape routes closing for Dilma.Brazilian Supreme Court rejects government request to annul impeachment. Escape routes closing for Dilma.
Teori Zavascki impede anulação do processo de impeachment de Dilma. Entenda e leia a íntegra https://t.co/FGblDo4Czl pic.twitter.com/KWFtHDXpXDTeori Zavascki impede anulação do processo de impeachment de Dilma. Entenda e leia a íntegra https://t.co/FGblDo4Czl pic.twitter.com/KWFtHDXpXD
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Senator Ataides Oliveira, the last speaker before the Senate ended its first session, harkened back to the antics of the House of Deputies when it was his turn at the podium. He called for impeachment with arms waving, fists clenched and exhortations shouted to oust Rousseff from office.Senator Ataides Oliveira, the last speaker before the Senate ended its first session, harkened back to the antics of the House of Deputies when it was his turn at the podium. He called for impeachment with arms waving, fists clenched and exhortations shouted to oust Rousseff from office.
This senator just busted into an actual operatic ~vibrato~ while denouncing Dilma Rousseff pic.twitter.com/jc9ZHTragbThis senator just busted into an actual operatic ~vibrato~ while denouncing Dilma Rousseff pic.twitter.com/jc9ZHTragb
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Jonathan WattsJonathan Watts
Compared to the rambunctious, overwhelming vote to impeach Dilma Rousseff in the House last month, the mood is considerably more sombre in the Senate, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the floor of the chamber.Compared to the rambunctious, overwhelming vote to impeach Dilma Rousseff in the House last month, the mood is considerably more sombre in the Senate, my colleague Jon Watts reports from the floor of the chamber.
“All the people here are broken hearted. We don’t want this, but it is unavaoidable. Brazil has come to a stop since last year,” claimed Senator Marcelo Crivella, who, outside of standing for the Brazilian Republican Party is also a gospel singer and bishop of the evangelical Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.“All the people here are broken hearted. We don’t want this, but it is unavaoidable. Brazil has come to a stop since last year,” claimed Senator Marcelo Crivella, who, outside of standing for the Brazilian Republican Party is also a gospel singer and bishop of the evangelical Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
“We all recognise that [Rousseff] has done a good job during her life for the democracy of Brazil.”“We all recognise that [Rousseff] has done a good job during her life for the democracy of Brazil.”
Despite these respectful words, Crivella, who was once allied with her Workers Party government, said that he would vote for impeaching the president because the country is mired in crisis and needs a change of economic policy.Despite these respectful words, Crivella, who was once allied with her Workers Party government, said that he would vote for impeaching the president because the country is mired in crisis and needs a change of economic policy.
On the opposite side of the debate is Venessa Grazziotin, a senator from the Communist Party who is opposed to the suspension of the president.On the opposite side of the debate is Venessa Grazziotin, a senator from the Communist Party who is opposed to the suspension of the president.
“This is the saddest day in the history of our young democracy,” she told the Guardian. “This isn’t a valid constitutional process, it is a coup that goes against the opinion of the majority in the 2014 election.”“This is the saddest day in the history of our young democracy,” she told the Guardian. “This isn’t a valid constitutional process, it is a coup that goes against the opinion of the majority in the 2014 election.”
She had no hope that Rousseff might escape suspension, but the senator said the battle was not over. She hopes that in the coming months, Brazilians will realise they have been robbed of their rights by removing the president. “If they suspend her today, I’ll go to the streets to demand new elections,” Grazziotin said.She had no hope that Rousseff might escape suspension, but the senator said the battle was not over. She hopes that in the coming months, Brazilians will realise they have been robbed of their rights by removing the president. “If they suspend her today, I’ll go to the streets to demand new elections,” Grazziotin said.
The views of just two senators are obviously not representative of the entire chamber, but there does seem to be an effort to treat the moment with gravitas. That is partly what you would expect from the upper house – but it may also be because the boisterous and bizarre scenes of last month’s House vote, which saw deputies behaving in a way that shamed many Brazilians and led to deeply critical coverage overseas.The views of just two senators are obviously not representative of the entire chamber, but there does seem to be an effort to treat the moment with gravitas. That is partly what you would expect from the upper house – but it may also be because the boisterous and bizarre scenes of last month’s House vote, which saw deputies behaving in a way that shamed many Brazilians and led to deeply critical coverage overseas.
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Watchdog group Aos Fatos notes that 14 lawmakers are under investigation for corruption and graft in the Petrobras scandal, in which the state-run oil giant, businesses and lawmakers are accused of passing around $2bn worth of bribes for contracts.Watchdog group Aos Fatos notes that 14 lawmakers are under investigation for corruption and graft in the Petrobras scandal, in which the state-run oil giant, businesses and lawmakers are accused of passing around $2bn worth of bribes for contracts.
Journalist Rachel Glickhouse translates the linked tweet.Journalist Rachel Glickhouse translates the linked tweet.
Brazil's Senate: 14 legislators under investigation as part of Petrobras scandal; half plan to vote for impeachment. https://t.co/EOtnnXn0JeBrazil's Senate: 14 legislators under investigation as part of Petrobras scandal; half plan to vote for impeachment. https://t.co/EOtnnXn0Je
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Senator Ana Amélia Lemos has invoked Pope Francis in her time on the floor, quoting him: “I hope that Brazil will follow the path of harmony and peace.” Then she pulls out a copy of the Brazilian constitution as a prop.Senator Ana Amélia Lemos has invoked Pope Francis in her time on the floor, quoting him: “I hope that Brazil will follow the path of harmony and peace.” Then she pulls out a copy of the Brazilian constitution as a prop.
Lemos supports impeachment, and has fought back adamantly against critics and Rousseff supporters who say impeachment is a “coup”.Lemos supports impeachment, and has fought back adamantly against critics and Rousseff supporters who say impeachment is a “coup”.
.@anaamelialemos cita declaração de hj do papa Francisco: "Desejo que o Brasil siga pelo caminho da harmonia e da paz"..@anaamelialemos cita declaração de hj do papa Francisco: "Desejo que o Brasil siga pelo caminho da harmonia e da paz".
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While Brazilian newspapers have found that around 50 senators plan to vote for a trial, it’s not clear that Dilma Rousseff’s enemies have enough votes to bar her from office, the AP reports.While Brazilian newspapers have found that around 50 senators plan to vote for a trial, it’s not clear that Dilma Rousseff’s enemies have enough votes to bar her from office, the AP reports.
A survey by Folha of Sao Paulo suggests there are only 41 senators willing to remove her permanently, 13 fewer than needed. The House voted 367-137 last month in favor of impeachment.A survey by Folha of Sao Paulo suggests there are only 41 senators willing to remove her permanently, 13 fewer than needed. The House voted 367-137 last month in favor of impeachment.
“Dilma will be impeached for a variety of reasons,” said Marcos Troyjo, a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. “And the possibility of her coming back is zero.”“Dilma will be impeached for a variety of reasons,” said Marcos Troyjo, a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. “And the possibility of her coming back is zero.”
Rousseff herself hasn’t been implicated in the graft and corruption scandals that have swept up many members of her party – and of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. Rousseff was Lula’s chief of staff and minister of energy – someone who should have known about the bribes and corruption that had taken hold of Brazil’s state-run oil giant, Petrobras.Rousseff herself hasn’t been implicated in the graft and corruption scandals that have swept up many members of her party – and of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. Rousseff was Lula’s chief of staff and minister of energy – someone who should have known about the bribes and corruption that had taken hold of Brazil’s state-run oil giant, Petrobras.
“The people involved abused and took advantage of the opportunity to steal money in an absurd way,” said Tiago Gomes da Silva, a 33-year-old standing in line at an unemployment office in Rio de Janeiro. “This had to come to an end. And the actual government is directly linked to this.”“The people involved abused and took advantage of the opportunity to steal money in an absurd way,” said Tiago Gomes da Silva, a 33-year-old standing in line at an unemployment office in Rio de Janeiro. “This had to come to an end. And the actual government is directly linked to this.”
Brazil’s economy has also staggered into its worst recession in decades, in large part due to the plummeting prices of commodities and petroleum over the last few years. Inflation and unemployment are hovering around 10%, and in her second term Rousseff has enjoyed none of the oil and mining boom that so profited Lula at the polls. From the AP:Brazil’s economy has also staggered into its worst recession in decades, in large part due to the plummeting prices of commodities and petroleum over the last few years. Inflation and unemployment are hovering around 10%, and in her second term Rousseff has enjoyed none of the oil and mining boom that so profited Lula at the polls. From the AP:
“The problem in Brazil was the inflation,” Carlos Antonio Porto Goncalves, economics professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said of Rousseff’s first years as president. “And the government, to fight inflation, raised interest rates to extremely high levels so demand decreased, and the recession came.”“The problem in Brazil was the inflation,” Carlos Antonio Porto Goncalves, economics professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said of Rousseff’s first years as president. “And the government, to fight inflation, raised interest rates to extremely high levels so demand decreased, and the recession came.”
With all of this is a growing perception that Rousseff doesn’t have the casual charisma of many senators, which has divided many Brazilians into camps that see her as more honest than her peers or too unwilling to make deals.With all of this is a growing perception that Rousseff doesn’t have the casual charisma of many senators, which has divided many Brazilians into camps that see her as more honest than her peers or too unwilling to make deals.
“She is a woman with a knife in her boot,” said Alexandre Barros, a political consultant in Brasilia, using a popular phrase in Portuguese to describe tough women. “But she is not a politician.”“She is a woman with a knife in her boot,” said Alexandre Barros, a political consultant in Brasilia, using a popular phrase in Portuguese to describe tough women. “But she is not a politician.”
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A protester has shown up at Congress wearing a word that needs no translation. He points out that vice-president Michel Temer has also been found to have broken the law.A protester has shown up at Congress wearing a word that needs no translation. He points out that vice-president Michel Temer has also been found to have broken the law.
Impeach the lot of them, he says. Temer could very well have an abbreviated term – as could other lawmakers accused of corruption, taking bribes and other crimes.Impeach the lot of them, he says. Temer could very well have an abbreviated term – as could other lawmakers accused of corruption, taking bribes and other crimes.
First protesters arrive in front of Congress. This man thinks that Temer (VP) should also face an impeachment trial. pic.twitter.com/4jSvQTrfCvFirst protesters arrive in front of Congress. This man thinks that Temer (VP) should also face an impeachment trial. pic.twitter.com/4jSvQTrfCv
Rousseff has her supporters too, though. My colleague Ana Terra Athayde meets one outside Congress.Rousseff has her supporters too, though. My colleague Ana Terra Athayde meets one outside Congress.
"The poorest will suffer the most" in case there's a change in government, says this pro-Dilma protester pic.twitter.com/QQgInJcefU"The poorest will suffer the most" in case there's a change in government, says this pro-Dilma protester pic.twitter.com/QQgInJcefU
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