Rio de Janeiro sees protest against the arrest of activists.

Vladimir Platonow - Reporter for Agência Brasil

A group of political activists held a symbolic washing of the sidewalk in front of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice late this afternoon (22). They are protesting against the arrest of demonstrators, accused of participating in violent acts and indicted by the Civil Police for criminal association.

The activists used bleach and disinfectant, alluding to the arrest of homeless man Rafael Braga. Detained since last year in the Bangu Penitentiary Complex, Rafael Braga was accused of carrying a Molotov cocktail during a street protest. However, there is information that he was carrying cleaning products.

With slogans like "Political prisoners, freedom now. Fighting is not a crime, you will pay for this," the protesters spoke out in front of the court and criticized the judicial decision that ordered the preventive detention of the young men.

Dozens of posters and banners were displayed on the sidewalk, demanding the release of the activists, arrested on the 12th, before the World Cup final. They were released by a decision of Judge Siro Darlan, who accepted a request from... habeas corpusHowever, the arrests were ordered again, this time preventively.

The protest caught the attention of retired José Maria de Oliveira, 88, who recounted being arrested and tortured during the military dictatorship. "It was a political trial against these young people, purely to intimidate Brazilian youth," he said, relating how he and his wife suffered torture for their involvement in a leftist organization.

After the event, the group decided to march to Cinelândia.