A few days ago, on October 31, there was a demonstration for the freedom of expression and in solidarity with all the people taken during the events of October (the poster and adhesions HERE). Name of the march was Grito da Liberdade – Scream of Freedom.
Placard and banners at the front of the march
Some photos of the demonstrations HERE1 HERE2
We started from Cinelandia, where we made various enormous banners in solidarity with the political prisoners. From there we move toward the ALERJ, and slightly before we joined the big of the demonstration. Around 1000 people while everyone was hoping more (during the march will increase to 1500-200). From the beginning the demo looks different, there is something distinct compared to other marches. Everyone know that todays the objective is to be communicative as much as possible to the society for obtaining the scope to raise awarness and push for the realising of the political prisoners: this is the goal and was made the decision to make it differently. Many banners, many placards, different sound system on bikes or shopping card, two different bands (one more classical, another composed by instrument recycled or DIY modified). Moreover, many black strips of cloth were gifted to be used as fake handcuffs or to muzzle the mouth. There are some clowns, people are dressed up and doing small sketches during the march. During the march in key point of the city were made specific intervention: in Candelaria 20 people just laid down in silent in the center on the square. The most striking event was performed while marching in Avenida Rio Branco: all the demonstrators were in silent, only the the sound of the drum scan the steps. This was very impressive: usually this main street with several shops and offices is use as a main stage of protest and people are accustomed to it. Marching in silent is creating an effect that all the people are stopping and watching what is going on, incredulous and unsure of what they are seeing. At the end of the Rio Branco, everyone started to run to the step of the Camara, screaming, a Grito da Libertade. Massive police presence, despite the obviously peaceful procession (how could it be otherwise in a day like this?), they are made numerous searches, riot police is following the march on motorcycles and handling the guns. The last piece of the parade is to Lapa, where, under the arches, there is a number of speeches, musical performances, there is also a photographic exhibition against repression. Here, the unexpected happens: some are rising on the arches of Lapa overlooking the square (where once ran a tram) and unroll the banners of the procession, the crowd screaming in support. There is also time for another little encore: Batman (a protester who for months protesting against the recent law banning the wearing of masks) salt on the arches, a location incredibly photogenic. All photographers flock, even the police helicopter illuminates it, making the absurd scene, almost film. Shortly after Batman is joined by his namesake DIY (wearing only black panties and DIY mask and cloak black bag of garbage), creating a hilarious effect (video HERE).
