Threats and Murder of Journalists Increase in Brazil

By Xiu Ying, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Media reports in recent weeks have echoed threats to the lives of two TV journalists.

Globo reporter Carlos de Lannoy was attacked on Instagram following an article in Fantástico concerning Army agents who machine-gunned an innocent man’s car in Rio. The driver died.

The offender said the journalist and his family would “pay with their lives” for “defending the villain” and tampering with the Army.

Guga Chacra, a commentator for GloboNews in New York, became a target on Twitter. “I want to see you get beaten to death,” randomly wrote a microblog user.

Brazil’s anchor, José Luiz Datena, has lost count of how many intimidating messages he has received for defending police actions and criticizing police misconduct.

The three examples of corroborating evidence gathered in a survey conducted by the non-governmental human rights organization “Artigo 19” on violence against journalists in Brazil.

In 2018 there were 35 cases, the same number as in 2012 and 2015, and a growth of 35 percent compared to 2017.

There were 26 threats, one kidnapping, four murder attempts, and four murders.

The main victims were journalists (17 professionals), followed by radio broadcasters (12 cases), bloggers (4) and owners of communication vehicles (2).

Criticizing journalists is part of freedom of expression and opinion. This is acceptable – and even healthy – in the democratic sphere. Those who work in the press are not above good and evil.

The problem is when the right to contest becomes a criminal act. Slander, defamation, and threats are offenses under the Criminal Code.

Carlos de Lannoy and Guga Chacra brought the authorities against those who intimidated them.

Today, cybercrime does not go unpunished – and effective response must be given to prevent this type of crime from becoming commonplace.