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Brazilian Senator brands Bolsanaro ‘a symbol of barbarism’

BRAZILIAN Workers Party president Gleisi Hoffmann branded far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro “a symbol of barbarism,” accusing him of inciting hatred against minorities.

Ms Hoffmann was addressing the Brazilian Senate on Wednesday when she alleged that the former army captain was responsible for the violent attacks and murders of his political opponents.

“There are more than 104 records of violence on the electoral map, including deaths and assaults, carried out during the electoral debates and, among them, almost 100 per cent of the aggressors were followers of Jair Bolsonaro,” Ms Hoffmann said.

Human rights and media groups have noted a sharp rise in violent attacks perpetrated by those who claim to support Mr Bolsonaro since September 30.

His Liberal Social Party (PSL) has denied any links to the attacks, which have included the stabbing to death of a prominent Workers Party activist and a young woman who had a swastika carved into her stomach after a physical assault.

Mr Bolsonaro has claimed there is a media smear campaign to stop him from winning the October 28 second round of the presidential elections where he is pitted against Workers Party candidate Fernando Haddad.

But Ms Hoffmann warned: “He said that he has no responsibility because he does not control people, in fact, you are a leader, you are a symbol of violence, cruelty, barbarism.”

She blasted Mr Bolsonaro for not presenting a credible plan of his vision for the future of Brazil and accused him of running a negative campaign based on spreading false news about candidate Mr Haddad and Communist Party of Brazil vice-presidential candidate Manuela D’Avila.

Many have expressed fear over the prospect of victory for Mr Bolsonaro, who remains the favourite to win next week’s election, with the latest polls giving him a sizeable lead over Mr Haddad.

University of Sao Paulo climate change researcher Paulo Artaxo is among those concerned about the country’s future. 

“I think we are headed for a very dark period in the history of Brazil. There is no point sugar-coating it. Bolsonaro is the worst thing that could happen for the environment,” he said.

Mr Bolsonaro has pledged to axe the Ministry of the Environment, claiming Brazil has “too many protected areas” that “stand in the way of development.”

Tens of thousands have taken part in demonstrations across Brazil as part of the non-partisan #NotHim movement with similar solidarity action in other countries.

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