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In Brazil, a President Under Fire Lashes Out at Investigators In Brazil, a President Under Fire Lashes Out at Investigators
(3 days later)
RIO DE JANEIRO — The embattled president of Brazil stood outside his mansion on Thursday, indignant and angry, wearing a necktie patterned with assault rifles.RIO DE JANEIRO — The embattled president of Brazil stood outside his mansion on Thursday, indignant and angry, wearing a necktie patterned with assault rifles.
The day before, the police had raided properties linked to several of his most die-hard supporters as part of an investigation into an online network distributing disinformation, one of an array of criminal and legislative inquests focused on him, family members and close allies.The day before, the police had raided properties linked to several of his most die-hard supporters as part of an investigation into an online network distributing disinformation, one of an array of criminal and legislative inquests focused on him, family members and close allies.
“We won’t have another day like yesterday. Enough!” the president, Jair Bolsonaro, said of Wednesday’s raid during a news conference outside his official residence. “We have reached the limit!”“We won’t have another day like yesterday. Enough!” the president, Jair Bolsonaro, said of Wednesday’s raid during a news conference outside his official residence. “We have reached the limit!”
As the investigators encircling him and his associates draw closer, Mr. Bolsonaro has lashed out and even raised the specter of a constitutional crisis by suggesting that the federal police should not carry out “absurd orders” of the Supreme Court.As the investigators encircling him and his associates draw closer, Mr. Bolsonaro has lashed out and even raised the specter of a constitutional crisis by suggesting that the federal police should not carry out “absurd orders” of the Supreme Court.
The increasingly belligerent stance adopted by the president and his allies toward the investigations has led to rising political turmoil at a time of national crisis, with the fast-spreading coronavirus sending the economy into a tailspin and causing the deaths of more than 27,000 people.The increasingly belligerent stance adopted by the president and his allies toward the investigations has led to rising political turmoil at a time of national crisis, with the fast-spreading coronavirus sending the economy into a tailspin and causing the deaths of more than 27,000 people.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic has come under intensifying criticism, amplifying the sense that he is a leader under siege, who is finding it increasingly difficult to govern.Mr. Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic has come under intensifying criticism, amplifying the sense that he is a leader under siege, who is finding it increasingly difficult to govern.
Brazil now has the world’s second-highest number of confirmed virus cases, after the United States, job losses are mounting and analysts are warning that the country could plunge into a deep recession.Brazil now has the world’s second-highest number of confirmed virus cases, after the United States, job losses are mounting and analysts are warning that the country could plunge into a deep recession.
While there are a number of open investigations into the president and his circle, the raids this week seemed to particularly enrage him and his supporters.While there are a number of open investigations into the president and his circle, the raids this week seemed to particularly enrage him and his supporters.
The Supreme Court has been investigating the spread of what it calls fake news and the orchestration of defamation campaigns against its justices, and on Wednesday, the federal police raided properties in six states, seizing computers, phones and documents. Some of the properties were linked to activists, businessmen and politicians closely aligned with Mr. Bolsonaro and his right-wing views.The Supreme Court has been investigating the spread of what it calls fake news and the orchestration of defamation campaigns against its justices, and on Wednesday, the federal police raided properties in six states, seizing computers, phones and documents. Some of the properties were linked to activists, businessmen and politicians closely aligned with Mr. Bolsonaro and his right-wing views.
The raids were applauded by the president’s critics.The raids were applauded by the president’s critics.
“The Supreme Court is playing an important and historical role to safeguard democracy,” said José Carlos Dias, a former justice minister.“The Supreme Court is playing an important and historical role to safeguard democracy,” said José Carlos Dias, a former justice minister.
But Mr. Bolsonaro said the raids were interfering with his ability to lead.But Mr. Bolsonaro said the raids were interfering with his ability to lead.
“We have to draw limits,” he told reporters on Thursday. “I ask, for the last time, let the government work.”“We have to draw limits,” he told reporters on Thursday. “I ask, for the last time, let the government work.”
His political allies also rushed to his defense.His political allies also rushed to his defense.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s education minister, Abraham Weintraub, compared the raids to Kristallnacht and the media to Nazis, drawing vehement criticism from the American Jewish Committee.Mr. Bolsonaro’s education minister, Abraham Weintraub, compared the raids to Kristallnacht and the media to Nazis, drawing vehement criticism from the American Jewish Committee.
The president’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal lawmaker, warned that the country was approaching what he called a “moment of rupture.”The president’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal lawmaker, warned that the country was approaching what he called a “moment of rupture.”
“It’s no longer an opinion about if, but when this will happen,” he warned, without being more specific about what sort of rupture he envisioned.“It’s no longer an opinion about if, but when this will happen,” he warned, without being more specific about what sort of rupture he envisioned.
In his election campaign, Mr. Bolsonaro benefited from a well-organized disinformation effort relying on social media platforms and text messaging apps.In his election campaign, Mr. Bolsonaro benefited from a well-organized disinformation effort relying on social media platforms and text messaging apps.
Critics say his supporters continued to use these tools after Mr. Bolsonaro took office in order to spread fake news and attack state institutions, including insulting Supreme Court justices who have opposed his policies.Critics say his supporters continued to use these tools after Mr. Bolsonaro took office in order to spread fake news and attack state institutions, including insulting Supreme Court justices who have opposed his policies.
Eloísa Machado, a law professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas University in São Paulo, said the investigation has revealed “an organized scheme” involving members of Congress, political advisers, bloggers and financiers “to spread threats to the Supreme Court and against democracy.”Eloísa Machado, a law professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas University in São Paulo, said the investigation has revealed “an organized scheme” involving members of Congress, political advisers, bloggers and financiers “to spread threats to the Supreme Court and against democracy.”
These online communities are also the subject of investigations by a congressional committee, the nation’s electoral court and the Federal Court of Accounts, an auditing body tied to Brazil’s Congress.These online communities are also the subject of investigations by a congressional committee, the nation’s electoral court and the Federal Court of Accounts, an auditing body tied to Brazil’s Congress.
Adding to the pressure on Mr. Bolsonaro, the Supreme Court recently opened a probe into allegations that Mr. Bolsonaro had attempted to assert improper control over the federal police for political gain.Adding to the pressure on Mr. Bolsonaro, the Supreme Court recently opened a probe into allegations that Mr. Bolsonaro had attempted to assert improper control over the federal police for political gain.
Last week, Celso de Mello, a Supreme Court justice who is overseeing the investigation, released a video of an April cabinet meeting that has been offered as evidence that Mr. Bolsonaro was trying to meddle with the federal police to shield his friends and family.Last week, Celso de Mello, a Supreme Court justice who is overseeing the investigation, released a video of an April cabinet meeting that has been offered as evidence that Mr. Bolsonaro was trying to meddle with the federal police to shield his friends and family.
In the video, Mr. Bolsonaro suggested, using coarse language, that it was his right to replace security officials rather than see his “whole family — for fun — or a friend of mine” face problems.In the video, Mr. Bolsonaro suggested, using coarse language, that it was his right to replace security officials rather than see his “whole family — for fun — or a friend of mine” face problems.
“If you can’t replace the official, change his boss,” he said. “You can’t change the boss? Change the minister. End of story. We’re not kidding around.”“If you can’t replace the official, change his boss,” he said. “You can’t change the boss? Change the minister. End of story. We’re not kidding around.”
Mr. Bolsonaro said later that he was talking about his family’s personal security detail, not the federal police.Mr. Bolsonaro said later that he was talking about his family’s personal security detail, not the federal police.
Investigators have revealed little about the inner workings and coordination of the online disinformation networks they have been scrutinizing. But the congressional inquiry has found evidence that a staff member in the office of Mr. Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, had helped to coordinate a Facebook page that ran negative campaigns against the president’s political enemies.Investigators have revealed little about the inner workings and coordination of the online disinformation networks they have been scrutinizing. But the congressional inquiry has found evidence that a staff member in the office of Mr. Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, had helped to coordinate a Facebook page that ran negative campaigns against the president’s political enemies.
Former allies of the president also testified that he maintained what they referred to as a “bureau of hate” where his aides helped to coordinate an online network that manufactured and disseminated false, damaging news about public figures. Mr. Bolsonaro has denied this allegation.Former allies of the president also testified that he maintained what they referred to as a “bureau of hate” where his aides helped to coordinate an online network that manufactured and disseminated false, damaging news about public figures. Mr. Bolsonaro has denied this allegation.
Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, a political scientist at the University of São Paulo, says there is much Brazil has yet to understand about the group that supports Mr. Bolsonaro.Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, a political scientist at the University of São Paulo, says there is much Brazil has yet to understand about the group that supports Mr. Bolsonaro.
“Brazil has created a minority extreme-right group, which now has a national expression,” she said. “They are not giving up.”“Brazil has created a minority extreme-right group, which now has a national expression,” she said. “They are not giving up.”
The president has said the investigations into the online networks are an effort to muzzle his supporters and a transparent attack on their freedom to criticize political opponents and mock policies they disagree with, like the social distancing measures intended to curb the coronavirus.The president has said the investigations into the online networks are an effort to muzzle his supporters and a transparent attack on their freedom to criticize political opponents and mock policies they disagree with, like the social distancing measures intended to curb the coronavirus.
Updated June 2, 2020 Updated June 5, 2020
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“The goal of this proceeding is to target those who support me,” he told reporters on Thursday. “They want to remove the media that I have in my favor.”“The goal of this proceeding is to target those who support me,” he told reporters on Thursday. “They want to remove the media that I have in my favor.”
Even some of Mr. Bolsonaro’s opponents and critics have questioned the legality of the Supreme Court’s latest inquiry, calling into question the credibility of the highest court.Even some of Mr. Bolsonaro’s opponents and critics have questioned the legality of the Supreme Court’s latest inquiry, calling into question the credibility of the highest court.
Brazil’s prosecutor general, Augusto Aras, a key ally of the president, filed a request on Wednesday with the Supreme Court to block the investigation. He said that even though some of the evidence the court has gathered is “cutting,” it represents “the dissemination of opinions and world views, protected by freedom of expression.”Brazil’s prosecutor general, Augusto Aras, a key ally of the president, filed a request on Wednesday with the Supreme Court to block the investigation. He said that even though some of the evidence the court has gathered is “cutting,” it represents “the dissemination of opinions and world views, protected by freedom of expression.”
In the ruling in which Alexandre de Moraes, a Supreme Court judge, ordered the raids, he said the networks had engaged in activities ranging from the promotion of hashtags like #NationalShameSupremeCourt to making calls for a military coup.In the ruling in which Alexandre de Moraes, a Supreme Court judge, ordered the raids, he said the networks had engaged in activities ranging from the promotion of hashtags like #NationalShameSupremeCourt to making calls for a military coup.
The political tumult around Mr. Bolsonaro has exhausted political resources that could be used to save people’s lives during the current health crisis, said Vitor Lourenço, a community activist in Duque de Caxias, one of the cities that has been hardest hit by the coronavirus.The political tumult around Mr. Bolsonaro has exhausted political resources that could be used to save people’s lives during the current health crisis, said Vitor Lourenço, a community activist in Duque de Caxias, one of the cities that has been hardest hit by the coronavirus.
“In the middle of this pandemic, with 1,000 people dying a day, the government is holding cabinet meetings to discuss their own political crisis,” he said. “The neglect continues.”“In the middle of this pandemic, with 1,000 people dying a day, the government is holding cabinet meetings to discuss their own political crisis,” he said. “The neglect continues.”
Mr. Bolsonaro has been dismissive of the disease, defying social distancing guidelines, resisting calls for stricter quarantine measures and relentlessly pushing for a quick reopening of the economy even as the outbreak has shown little sign of relenting.Mr. Bolsonaro has been dismissive of the disease, defying social distancing guidelines, resisting calls for stricter quarantine measures and relentlessly pushing for a quick reopening of the economy even as the outbreak has shown little sign of relenting.
Calls for Mr. Bolsonaro’s impeachment and ouster have been growing as the public health, political and economic crises all seem to spin further out of the president’s control.Calls for Mr. Bolsonaro’s impeachment and ouster have been growing as the public health, political and economic crises all seem to spin further out of the president’s control.
But even though Mr. Bolsonaro’s disapproval rating hit new highs this week, according to a poll by Datafolha, his support base has remained stalwart, with about a third of respondents saying he has done a “good” or “great” job.But even though Mr. Bolsonaro’s disapproval rating hit new highs this week, according to a poll by Datafolha, his support base has remained stalwart, with about a third of respondents saying he has done a “good” or “great” job.
Mr. Bolsonaro’s economy minister, Paulo Guedes, acknowledged the seriousness of the country’s situation on Friday, appealing for unity across the political spectrum.Mr. Bolsonaro’s economy minister, Paulo Guedes, acknowledged the seriousness of the country’s situation on Friday, appealing for unity across the political spectrum.
“We need cooperation,” Mr. Guedes said during an online seminar. “If there is a fight on board, the boat will sink.”“We need cooperation,” Mr. Guedes said during an online seminar. “If there is a fight on board, the boat will sink.”
Manuela Andreoni reported from Rio de Janeiro, Letícia Casado from Brasília and Kirk Semple from Mexico City.Manuela Andreoni reported from Rio de Janeiro, Letícia Casado from Brasília and Kirk Semple from Mexico City.