Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva fires army chief

Decision comes after riots earlier this month by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sacked his army chief, Julio Cesar de Arruda, according to media reports Saturday.

De Arruda will be replaced by Gen. Tomas Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, army commander for the southeast, Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo reported.

The firing of de Arruda, who had been commander since Dec. 30, came after riots earlier this month by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro lost to Lula in a tight presidential race Oct. 30.

In the aftermath of Lula's win, Bolsonaro supporters held demonstrations, with many blocking highways and pushing for the military to intervene.

Lula was sworn in for a third term Jan. 1.

Kaynak:

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