Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), along with Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Congressman Chuy García (IL-04), Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), issued a joint statement with Brazilian Parliamentarians led by Senator Eliziane Gama. The statement follows meetings in the U.S. Congress between the members of Congress and the Brazilian Parliamentarians from April 30 to May 2, 2024.

“We understand that democratic institutions are under attack all over the world and have experienced concerted efforts to thwart constitutional and electoral processes by political forces that lack majority support but are determined nonetheless to rule.

“We acknowledge the close and unsettling parallels between the events of January 6, 2021, in the United States and January 8, 2023, in Brazil. Serious attempts to overthrow the outcome of democratic elections with fraud and violence reflect a growing global threat to democratic institutions.

“It is imperative that legislators committed to democracy and freedom unite internationally to combat anti-democratic practices, such as the proliferation of hate speech and scapegoating, race-based and gender-based discrimination, the spread of online disinformation and propaganda, and the promotion of political violence and authoritarianism.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of democratic governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, freedom of speech, and the constitutional checks and balances among all branches of government. Ensuring free, fair and transparent electoral processes is fundamental to the integrity of our societies.

“We urge legislative representatives from around the world to join us in this critical initiative to safeguard and strengthen democracy globally.” 

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