Brazil: Attacks on protesters who refused to honor an occupation army spokesperson

The Latin Palestinian Forum condemned attacks on Brazilian and Palestinian activists inside the São Paulo City Council during a protest against honoring Major Rafael Rosenszajn, the occupation army's Portuguese-language spokesperson. Protesters were choked, beaten, and subjected to racist insults while being forcibly removed. The forum demanded an investigation and accountability, criticizing the protesters being accused of 'anti-Semitism'.

The Latin Palestinian Forum condemned the attacks on Brazilian and Palestinian activists inside the São Paulo City Council in Brazil, during their protest against an official event honoring Major Rafael Rosenszajn, the Israeli occupation army's Portuguese-language spokesperson. The forum stated in a statement that the protest began peacefully on Tuesday evening, October 6, before participants were assaulted and forcibly removed from the hall. Among those attacked were lawyer Thiago Guilherme, who was choked, had his hair pulled, and was subjected to racist insults; doctor Cassio Pellegrini, who was beaten and had his clothes torn; and Jewish activist Daniela Fayer, who was forcefully dragged and had her mouth covered. The forum demanded an investigation and accountability, criticizing the protesters being accused of 'anti-Semitism' and 'terrorism', and pointing to double standards in handling activities related to Palestine and Israel within the council. The incident comes amid political polarization in Brazil regarding relations with Israel and the war on Gaza, coinciding with presidential elections contested by Flavio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.