Violence Against Political Candidate Fernanda Klitzke Sparks Calls for Investigation in Santa Catarina

A violent incident on September 12 in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, involving Fernanda Klitzke, a second alternate Senate candidate aligned with Décio Lima, has drawn condemnation and demands for investigation. Klitzke was assaulted and detained by police during a political event after noise complaints, with video evidence indicating police brutality, especially against a Black man present. Klitzke, a lawyer, was trying to de-escalate the situation but was met with aggression, including being kicked and hit with rubber bullets.

Edinho Silva, national president of the Workers' Party (PT), labeled the violence as “very serious” and demanded thorough investigation. Décio Lima emphasized the broader implications, stating, “An assault on the right to defense is an assault on democracy itself,” and underscored the societal problem of violence against women. Gelson Merisio, gubernatorial candidate from the same coalition, contacted Carlos Roberto da Silva, president of the Regional Electoral Court of Santa Catarina, requesting urgent action.

The national PT condemned the attack on Klitzke and called for immediate clarification, highlighting concerns over possible political motivations behind the police’s conduct. This incident adds to the tensions surrounding the 2026 election cycle where violence and legal boundaries in political campaigns remain critical concerns.

Meanwhile, on the campaign front, President Lula, running for re-election, held a live broadcast from the Alvorada Palace engaging supporters and criticizing opponent Flávio Bolsonaro. This followed the 2022 Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) ruling that prohibits campaigning from presidential palaces, though Lula uses the location for campaign strategy meetings, adhering to legal restrictions.

These developments reflect the heightened scrutiny around electoral conduct and political violence as Brazil approaches the elections.