Sao Paulo : Brazil’s embattled President Dilma Rousseff has called for non-violence on the eve of what are expected to be massive anti-government protests, reports AFP.
“I am appealing for there not to be violence,” she was quoted as saying by Globo and other major Brazilian news sites while touring the scene of deadly floods near Sao Paulo.
“I think all people have a right to be on the streets. And no one has a right to be violent. No one,” she said. More than a million people were expected to take to Brazil’s streets Sunday to call for Rousseff’s ouster over a corruption scandal and severe economic recession.
The largest demonstration was expected in Sao Paulo, the country’s financial capital and main opposition stronghold.
Earlier in the day, large demonstrations were to kick off in Rio and Brasilia. There have been growing fears of violent clashes between Rousseff supporters and the opposition as pressure grows in Congress to impeach her.
However, Rousseff sought to calm tensions, saying “I think that tomorrow’s event should be treated with respect.”