The Metrópole Gallery, in downtown São Paulo, prevented access to supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) who were planning to hold an event on this Thursday, September 15th. When they arrived to participate in the event "Metrópole Turn," a gathering of progressive publishers and bookstores with teachers, artists, shopkeepers, political leaders, and opinion formers, the participants were denied entry and the doors were closed.
The Military Police (PM) was called in and mediated a dialogue between the activists and the gallery administration, to no avail. The PM informed the Brazil de Fato reporting team that the administration cited "security concerns" as the reason.
The event was also set to launch the photo book "My Father is a Traveler," by Mônica Zarattini, mother of elected Federal Deputy Luna Zarattini (PT), which tells the story of the parliamentarian's grandfather. Participants were carrying stickers, flags, and other props promoting Lula's candidacy.
Not even workers present at the location were allowed to leave. "I came to meet my husband, who works here inside. They don't let me in, nor do they let him out," said Jaina Sousa, who was not participating in the event. Her husband eventually left after an hour.
Bianca Nogueira stated that she had gone to the location intending to visit a bookstore and meet a friend. "He [the security guard] let one guy in. When he saw my [Lula support] sticker, he said 'no' and asked me to leave," she said.
Unable to access the gallery, the protesters took their protest to Dom José Gaspar Square, in front of the building. Among the participants were Luna, as well as elected State Deputies Mônica Seixas, Mariana Conti, and Ediane Maria from the Psol, Federal Deputy Nabil Bonduki (PT), philosopher and writer Vladimir Safatle, and homeless activist Preta Ferreira.
Participating publishers included Boitempo Editorial, Autonomia Literária, Editora Elefante, among others.