2002 Esteiran self-coup d'état

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2002 Esteiran self-coup d'état
Part of the Internal conflict in Esteira
National Police mounted officers move to secure a street in Porto Verde
Date April 4, 2002 Location Esteira Result Presidential victory National Security and Stable Leadership Act of 2002 passes President Luis Souza granted sweeping dictatorial powers Esteiran People's Party made sole legal political party New constitution created PLN leaders arrested Demonstrations and protests take place across Esteira
Parties to the civil conflict
Government Esteiran's People Party Esteiran National Police Esteiran Military Forces Esteiran Army Esteiran Air Force Esteiran Navy Pro-Souza protestors	Opposition National Liberal Party Popular Action Front Esteiran Socialist Union Judiciary Anti-Souza protestors
Commanders and leaders
Luis Souza Horácio Fidalgo Jorginho Almeida	Mariana Agostinho Danilo Brandão Cristiano Siqueira Jaqueline Nogueira
Strength
Thousands of soldiers Hundreds of policemen Tanks Armored personnel carriers	Thousands of protestors
Casualties and losses
9 soldiers killed 4 policemen killed Tens wounded	79 civilians killed Hundreds wounded Thousands arrested

The 2002 Esteiran self-coup d'état, also known as A Aquisição (The Takeover), took place on April 4, 2002 when President Luis Souza ordered the Esteiran National Police and the Esteiran Military Forces to seize control of Esteira's legislative and judicial bodies. Souza also ordered the arrest of political opponents, including the leaders of the National Liberal Party. A self-coup, Souza headed an emergency session of the National People's Assembly that was attended by only members of his party, the Esteiran People's Party, and was granted widespread dictatorial powers through the National Security and Stable Leadership Act of 2002.

Nationwide demonstrations began soon after the news broke of the self-coup and was met with heavy resistance from the National Police, military, and pro-Souza demonstrators. The ensuing violence led to the deaths of 79 civilians, with hundreds more wounded and thousands arrested. The demonstrations came to an end on April 11, 2002.