Brazil security chief resigns after rampage video leaks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Apr 2023 09:30

The security official was at the scene of the January 8 attacks on the capital of Brazil.

Army officers outside the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on January 11, 2023. (Reuters)

One of Brazil's top national security officials resigned on Wednesday following the release of images showing him at the site of the January 8 assaults in Brasilia.

General Marco Edson Goncalves Dias, the chief of the Institutional Security Bureau (GSI), resigned after CNN Brasil published security camera photos showing Goncalves Dias at the Planalto Palace, one of the federal buildings attacked earlier this year.

Protesters were attempting to re-elect defeated former President Jair Bolsonaro just days after he left office.

In the recordings provided by CNN Brasil, Goncalves Dias can be seen wandering around the halls of the building, which houses the president's official office, conversing with demonstrators and reportedly "showing them the exit."

At least two GSI officers were also seen shaking hands and handing out water bottles to protesters who invaded federal buildings in a futile and highly chaotic attempt to oust the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who replaced Bolsonaro.

Goncalves Dias claimed CNN Brazil had misinterpreted the appearance.

"I entered the palace after it was raided and was removing people from the third and fourth floors so that the arrests could take place on the second floor," he told GloboNews.

He said that the footage showing troops handing out the water was taken out of context.

Following the incident, members of the military were investigated for their management of security in Brasilia on January 8, and several were arrested.

Ex-President Jail Bolsonaro made unfounded charges of electoral fraud ahead of the October 30 poll, according to analysts, but has denied any role in the preparation of the assaults.