Around 150 people gathered in front of the Australian Consulate in Sao Paulo on the weekend to express their anger and sorrow about the death of Roberto Laudisio. The young Brazilian student died after being tasered by the police in Sydney on 18 March. He was accused of stealing a packet of biscuits.
Courtesy of protest organisers |
The protesters, who were mostly students, put packets of biscuits in front of the Australian Consulate. They dressed in white T-shirts printed with Roberto’s face and "#betãoprasempre," meaning "Roberto forever."
Courtesy of protest organisers |
The crowd carried banners and signs saying "The Australian police use tasers that cause pain and death," "Australia, how is your conscience now?" and "Be careful in Australia! We want justice". Participants shouted "Peace, love and justice, please".
Courtesy of protest organisers |
"Even if he was drugged or stole, it does not matter. Everyone has the right to defend themselves and Roberto did not get that chance," said Roberto’s Godmother, Patricia Laudisio. "The police wanted to kill".
Courtesy of protest organisers |
After placing the packets of biscuits in front of the Australian consulate in Alameda Santos, Sao Paulo, the demonstrators, accompanied by Brazilian police, continued the march on to the Museum of Art.
Courtesy of protest organisers |
Greg Wallis, the Consul-General of the Australian consulate of Sao Paolo, told New Matilda:
"At first the protest was scheduled for Friday 30 March but was then changed to Saturday by the creators of the event themselves. We interpreted this to be an indication of the fact that they don’t want a response from the consulate as it is not open to the public that day and that it would be a peaceful demonstration."
Courtesy of protest organisers |
The investigation into Laudisio’s death is ongoing.
"We can confirm that the New South Wales Police are liaising with Mr Laudisio’s family and the Brazilian Consulate General in Sydney," the Australian embassy’s spokesperson, John Williams, said in a statement. "The New South Wales Police are investigating all circumstances surrounding Mr Laudisio’s death. The New South Wales Ombudsman will oversee the investigation, and we expect the matter will be referred to the New South Wales Coroner."
Courtesy of protest organisers |
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