Foreign embassies in Brazil issued security alerts this Friday (2) and cited the elections as one of the reasons to recommend caution to citizens in the country. The United States and Australia have suspended face-to-face service at diplomatic representations for security reasons.
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Canada recommended that citizens exercise caution in Brazil and cited the elections in the country. Canadian representations remain open.
"Political rallies, demonstrations and increased security measures may occur before, during and after the elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place," the alert states.
Ireland, on the other hand, advised citizens in Brazil to maintain a “high degree of caution”. The Irish government announced the dates of the two rounds of elections and warned of the possibility of political demonstrations.
"In Brazil, public protests are held regularly in response to political events. These protests can cause serious disruption to roads and public transport," says the statement.
The United Kingdom issued a similar warning on September 29. According to the British government, demonstrations can occur across Brazil without prior notice, and the situation can change quickly.
Germany also issued a warning before the United States' announcement on Thursday (1st). The statement mentions the possibility of demonstrations and clashes.
"Political motivated demonstrations, spontaneous protests and possible violent clashes cannot be ruled out across the country. Political demonstrations can be dynamic and lead to traffic disruptions, blockages or violent clashes in the short term," the text states.
Suspended service
American consulate begins operating in Porto Alegre — Photo: Reproduction/RBS TV
The United States suspended in-person service at the US Embassy in Brasília and the country's consulates throughout Brazil this Friday (2) for security reasons. In the note, the US government did not specify the alleged threats that motivated the measure.
The US government has not made clear what type of consular services provided by the embassy have been suspended. It also did not specify whether it will continue issuing visas and passports during the period
The Embassy advised US citizens in need of emergency assistance not to visit diplomatic facilities. In these cases, the recommendation is to contact the officer on duty responsible for the service.
Consulates were closed in cities such as Brasília and São Paulo. In the capital of São Paulo, people who had traveled to obtain a US visa found the building closed.
In Brasília, the Military Police sent specialized troops to reinforce policing around the US Embassy.
In Porto Alegre, the consulate also reported that it had suspended services to Brazilians.
To journalist Ricardo Abreu, from TV Globo, a US government source mentioned a bomb threat to justify the measure, but did not make it clear whether the threat was directed at the embassy itself or another location in Brasília.
The source stated, however, that embassy employees would work from home this Friday.
Brasília's Public Security Secretary said she had not detected any security threats in the capital.
"To date, there is no concrete indication or action of risk identified. If relevant and shareable information emerges, the PMDF will carry out the necessary updates, maintaining the relevant preventive measures", said the Military Police of the Federal District, in a statement.
In 2022, the United States issued a security alert due to the election period. At the time, Americans were advised to be careful in places with demonstrations. However, the Embassy remained open.
Following the United States' announcement, the Australian Embassy also stated that it will remain closed throughout this Friday. In a statement, the Australian government also cited "'security concerns".
