UNI Americas statement on the murder of Marcelo Arruda, treasurer of the Workers’ Party in Iguaçu, Brazil

UNI Americas repudiates the brutal murder of Marcelo Aloizio Arruda, Treasurer of the Brazilian Workers’ Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores or PT) in Foz do Iguaçu and municipal guard, by a federal police officer. The officer invaded Arruda’s birthday party, which was being celebrated with a Workers’ Party theme, and shot him.

“We are deeply saddened by the murder of Marcelo Aloizio Arruda and deeply disturbed that President Bolsonaro has not forcefully condemned his killing. This act of extremist violence is an attack on democracy and an attack on the rights of the Brazilian people”, said Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union General Secretary.

“The Brazilian government must take every possible step to stem the rising political violence in the country and strengthen democratic institutions.”

214 cases of violence against political leaders were recorded in the first six months of this year –  a year when elections will be held to elect the new president of the Republic, governors, senators, federal and state deputies. This represents a 23% increase than in the same period in 2020.

UNI Americas urges that the government of Jair Bolsonaro immediately repudiate this extremely disturbing act. “As President, it is essential that he rejects all hate speech and acts such as this one and that he uphold democratic values where there is no place for violence. Likewise, we demand that the person responsible, Jorge José Guaracho, be brought to justice”.

“We will not be silent regarding the political violence that has been unfortunately increasing in the country and that worries us even more in the run-up to the elections. UNI Americas will continue to denounce all threats and aggressions against freedom of expression, but above all, against the right to life”.

To read the full statement in English click here.

Haga clic aquí para leer la declaración en español.