Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland issue safety warnings for travelers in Brazil ahead of presidential elections

Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland have issued recent alerts for travelers going to Brazil, warning of security risks before, during and after the presidential elections, the first round of which takes place this Sunday (4).

They all cite, in very similar terms, the possibility of protests and security issues before, during and after the election. "Even peaceful events can become confrontational and violent. The police have used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters", says the British recommendation, for example.

Everyone's warning is to avoid places with large crowds and demonstrations, monitor the local press to stay informed and follow instructions from authorities.

The warnings come amid tensions caused by the closure of embassies and consulates in the United States and Australia for security reasons this Friday (2), for security reasons.

An alleged bomb threat made by a social media profile to the American embassy led to the closure of the country's representations. Australia also issued warnings citing the election, urged a high level of caution for travelers and mentioned possible terrorist threats, without elaborating.

In the case of the threat to the American embassy, ​​the Federal Police said they did not find elements that confirm the alleged planning of acts that could put US diplomatic facilities in Brazil at risk. This Friday, the corporation carried out two search and seizure warrants in São Paulo and the surrounding Federal District to investigate the case.

According to American diplomats interviewed by the report, it is quite common for there to be threatening messages on social media to American consulates and embassies around the world and they are taken very seriously, given the history of attacks against the country. But they do not necessarily lead to the closure of all diplomatic units within a country.

According to the PF, no suspects of involvement with criminal organizations were also identified. The action was preventive in nature and occurred within the scope of a confidential investigation, the result of the corporation's cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.

The investigations continue with the analysis of communication equipment and media seized during the searches. The corporation states that other measures may be adopted depending on the results of this analysis.