CARICOM condemns invasion of Brazil

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) strongly condemns the violent invasion of government buildings that occurred in Brazil today by what they say was a misguided mob refusing to accept the results of free and fair democratic elections.

“Those involved should be held to account. We welcome the quick restoration of the order. CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” CARICOM said in a statement moments ago.

According to reports from the BBC, about 1,200 people have been arrested in Brazil after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court.

The rioting came a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in.

He condemned the “terrorist acts” and vowed to punish the perpetrators.

Mr. Bolsonaro has not admitted defeat and flew to the US before the handover ceremony. Unconfirmed reports say he is in a hospital in Florida.

The new president – widely known as Lula – and the heads of Congress and the Supreme Court “reject the terrorist acts and criminal, coup-mongering vandalism that occurred” during the riots.

The dramatic scenes saw thousands of protesters clad in yellow Brazil football shirts and flags overrun police and ransack the heart of the Brazilian state.