Rioters in Brazil’s capital reportedly used a Telegram-linked map to coordinate their actions, a detail reported by the local portal UOL. The map, titled Journey to the Beach, replaced usual tourist spots with 43 Brazilian cities where travelers could take buses to what organizers described as Selma’s Party. Journalists say Selma’s Party serves as a coded label for the rioters’ preparations as they planned to target government buildings in Brasília after the presidential vote. The map circulated in a Telegram group that reportedly had 18,000 active members, and journalists who monitored the conversations noted discussions about travel logistics and items participants should bring.
One message described a ritual during the event, advising participants to carry around a mask and salt water to manage pepper spray, and to communicate readiness if someone cried during the supposed celebration. The messages were presented as practical tips, though their real purpose appeared tied to the planned disruption and potential harm in the nation’s capital. The situation comes after reports that more than two thousand people were detained during the episodes in Brasília, with supporters of the former president, Jair Bolsonaro, occupying government facilities before security forces reasserted control.
This sequence underscores the ongoing challenges Brazil faces in addressing political violence and organized disruption around major political milestones. Observers note that online networks frequently blend social coordination with coded language designed to mask intent, complicating early detection by authorities. The use of a widely shared map for operational purposes demonstrates how digital platforms can be repurposed to facilitate crowd movements and harmful actions, even when the public messaging appears superficially innocuous. Authorities and researchers have emphasized the importance of monitoring encrypted and semi-public channels for indicators of planned violence, while balancing civil liberties and privacy concerns. In Brazil’s capital, security agencies remain vigilant as investigations continue and community voices call for calm, lawful protest, and accountability for any acts of violence. This incident is part of a broader pattern in which digital tools intersect with real-world demonstrations, prompting discussions about how to safeguard democratic processes without unduly restricting legitimate discourse. (Source: UOL)