The Brazilian military is not pleased when its generals are likened to “watermelons” in social media posts, showing them to be green on the outside and communist red on the inside.
Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro, who recently failed to get re-elected presidenthave been comparing when they try to pressure the army to organize a coup through results.
Some have accused the top generals of being too close to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvaveteran leftist candidate almost defeated Mr. Bolsonaro.
For example, Twitter user Eugenia Moreira da Costa posted an image with the caption: “Here are 4 communist generals against the people, they want a Lula government.
“They are watermelon generals, green outside, red inside.”
The military has refused to stage a coup or prevent the transfer of power, despite Mr Bolsonaro’s claims that the country’s electronic voting system is vulnerable to fraud.
The military’s communications director said he has been asked by the head of the force against any posts containing “deceptive and malicious innuendos involving members of the Army Command”. according to a statement obtained by Reuters.
General Jose Ricardo Vendramin Nunes wrote: “Such posts are a “criminal and malicious attempt to smear the personal honor of soldiers who have served more than 40 years”.
He called online criticism “disinformation” and insisted “Brazil’s military remains cohesive and united”.
The military’s disdain for the watermelon comparison contrasts with the love for it in Ukraine earlier this month.
Memes celebrate the fruit that sprang up when Kherson was liberated, as they were a famous product of the region.
The Ukrainian prime minister even posted a photo of himself holding an impressive specimen, and football club Shakhtar Donetsk joked that they were using a watermelon as a “special ball”.
