MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bolsonaro motorbike ride full of misdemeanours and a warning

Things did cross a line when protesters called for a military intervention in favour of Bolsonaro and the dismissal of ministers from the Supreme Federal Court (STF)

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro took a motorcycle ride through Rio de Janeiro Sunday where he was escorted by thousands of biker fans from all over the country who seized the opportunity to take selfies.

However, the peaceful demonstration of support for the political leader was in visible violation of several anticovid sanitary restrictions and other traffic rules the media were paticularly quick to point out.

Also taking part in that ride was General Eduardo Pazuello, a former health minister who was under heavy flak this past week from the Parliamentary Commission investigation Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic. Critics of Bolsonaro were quick to note that Pazuello is still an active member of the Army and as such he is not allowed to take part in political demonstrations.

Almost none of the bikers -or the President- wore the masks which are mandatory under State law. Other traffic violations include the incorrect use of helmets, hidden motorcycle license plates, failure to use a seat belt, bodies out of cars, active military manifestation, and military intervention request.

In addition to that, large gatherings are banned until May 31 as per municipal decree 48.893 / 2021, which sets rules for the permanence of people in public areas and are punishable by fines, although there ws no confirmation whether any such sanction had been imposed.

Municipal decree 48.893 / 2021 - on the permanence of people in public areas - also mentions article 268 of the Brazilian Penal Code, which provides for the violation of preventive health measures. The Brazilian Penal Code provides for detention from one month to one year, in addition to a fine, for those who “violate a government order, designed to prevent the introduction or spread of a contagious disease”.

However, Davi Tangerino, a Criminal Law specialist quoted by G1, warned that if any measure is taken against Bolsonaro or his supporters it could backfire: “It could be the perfect trap for, if people take to the streets to protest against Bolsonaro, that they try to criminalize themselves through the measure of sanitary infraction.”

Meticulous analysts have also pointed out that the helmet Bolsonaro wore was not in compliance with regulations. And Bolsonaro also traveled in a car without a seat belt on and with parts of his body out of the vehicle. There is no recollection either that Pope Francis had been fined for similar misconducts.

General Pazuello grabbed the microphone and spoke to the to the audience, which is considered an offense if done by an active military officer without proper authorization. Military analysts believe Pazuello was not in compliance with Army regulations.

But things did cross a line when protesters called for a military intervention in favor of Bolsonaro and the dismissal of ministers from the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
However, the peaceful demonstration of support for the political leader was in visible violation of several anticovid sanitary restrictions and other traffic rules the media were paticularly quick to point out.

Also taking part in that ride was General Eduardo Pazuello, a former health minister who was under heavy flak this past week from the Parliamentary Commission investigation Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic. Critics of Bolsonaro were quick to note that Pazuello is still an active member of the Army and as such he is not allowed to take part in political demonstrations.

Almost none of the bikers -or the President- wore the masks which are mandatory under State law. Other traffic violations include the incorrect use of helmets, hidden motorcycle license plates, failure to use a seat belt, bodies out of cars, active military manifestation, and military intervention request.

In addition to that, large gatherings are banned until May 31 as per municipal decree 48.893 / 2021, which sets rules for the permanence of people in public areas and are punishable by fines, although there ws no confirmation whether any such sanction had been imposed.

Municipal decree 48.893 / 2021 - on the permanence of people in public areas - also mentions article 268 of the Brazilian Penal Code, which provides for the violation of preventive health measures. The Brazilian Penal Code provides for detention from one month to one year, in addition to a fine, for those who “violate a government order, designed to prevent the introduction or spread of a contagious disease”.

However, Davi Tangerino, a Criminal Law specialist quoted by G1, warned that if any measure is taken against Bolsonaro or his supporters it could backfire: “It could be the perfect trap for, if people take to the streets to protest against Bolsonaro, that they try to criminalize themselves through the measure of sanitary infraction.”

Meticulous analysts have also pointed out that the helmet Bolsonaro wore was not in compliance with regulations. And Bolsonaro also traveled in a car without a seat belt on and with parts of his body out of the vehicle. There is no recollection either that Pope Francis had been fined for similar misconducts.

General Pazuello grabbed the microphone and spoke to the to the audience, which is considered an offense if done by an active military officer without proper authorization. Military analysts believe Pazuello was not in compliance with Army regulations.

But things did cross a line when protesters called for a military intervention in favor of Bolsonaro and the dismissal of ministers from the Supreme Federal Court (STF).