Residents resist eviction and protest in Terra Prometida, Brazil
Featured image: protest by residents in Terra Prometida. Source: A Nova Democracia (AND).
The residents of Terra Prometida, Guarulhos, protested on February 24 and 27 against the authorities and blocked the main street of the area with burning barricades and banners against their eviction. The military police and firefighters arrived in the area to extinguish the fire and to repress the mobilization.
On February 24, the residents of the working-class neighborhood set fire to the main road and carried banners that read “No Invaders! Struggling for Housing!” and “Neighbors Demand Review of the Process!” The protesters stood firm against the police officers, who decided to throw stun grenades at the demonstrators. The residents resisted and threw stones at the military police. A similar action took place on February 27.
A Nova Democracia (AND) reports that the reactionary governor Lucas Sanches intends to expel all the residents of the area, defending the interests of a private owner against the neighbors. The residents are still involved in a legal process regarding this matter and denounce that the governor and the courts defend the interests of big urban property owners and real estate speculators. Meanwhile, State and local authorities deny being able to do anything, stating that everything depends on a judicial decision.
This struggle now lasts from a long time ago, as AND reports that on November 21, there were already protests in front of the Public Ministry headquarters. The eviction is still scheduled for March 11, and the State is determined to expel dozens of working-class families from their homes.
On March 6, the residents of Terra Prometida protested in front of the Guarulhos authorities’ headquarters. In response to the administration’s excuses, they decided to set up a camp demanding that their needs be addressed. The residents continue the protest and have blocked the streets close to the institutional headquarters, declaring that they will remain as long as is necessary.
