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In Pictures: A Glimpse of Peaceful Protesters in Rio de Janeiro

November 14, 2013 | Pulitzer Center
By
Jawad Wahabzada, for the Pulitzer Center

This group of protesters in Rio de Janeiro, known as “Occupy Cabral,” has occupied the doorstep of Governor Sergio Cabral’s residence demanding, among other things, his immediate resignation. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Many Brazilians believe the government is rife with corruption. Governor Cabral promised change when he took office but in the view of protesters he has not only broken his promises; he has also used force against his citizens and funneled government money away from the poor towards World Cup preparations. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

The demonstrators are for the most part quiet but they get passing cars to honk in order to annoy the neighbors and Governor Cabral. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Although the governor and his family have left their home, police officers guard the residence 24 hours a day for fear of a protester break-in. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Two demonstrators pose for the camera during their daily morning meeting. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Maria lives in the favelas. Her house was almost destroyed by the government to make room for World Cup infrastructure. She joined the protesters to try to save other homes from being destroyed. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

A journalist interviews Bruno Gorender (left), one of the group leaders of “Occupy Cabral." Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

“We, Occupy Cabral, have our own households, and our presence here is temporary. What the government has to understand is that its duration will be determined by their response to our demands,” says Bruno Gorender. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

The billions of dollars spent on stadiums and World Cup preparations rather than hospitals and education have made many Brazilians furious. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Protesters accuse Governor Cabral of closing 50 schools and diverting the money towards FIFA World Cup preparation projects. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

Tens of thousands of teachers have taken to the streets in the past few months, demanding better transport, health and education services. Image by Jawad Wahabzada. Brazil, 2013.

For the past few months in Brazil protesters have taken to the streets to oppose the government’s poor performance, including its mega-spending on FIFA World Cup projects. A group of protesters in Rio de Janeiro are trying a new approach—called Occupy Cabral. Instead of protesting in front of the parliament building, this group of protesters has decided to bring the demonstration to Governor Sergio Cabral. Occupying the front steps of his residence, the demonstrators are for the most part quiet. But they get passing cars to honk in order to annoy the neighbors and Governor Cabral.

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