STATEMENT

Brazil: Journalists attacked as government buildings stormed

10 January 2023
The Public Media Alliance condemns attacks on journalists as democratic institutions stormed in capital of Brazil.
The Planalto Palace in Brasília - Brazil. This is where the Office of the President of the Republic is located.
The Planalto Palace in Brasília - Brazil. This is where the Office of the President of the Republic is located. This was one of the buildings stormed by rioters on Sunday 8 January. Credit: Angela_Macario / Shutterstock.com

13th January 2023 update: The latest report from the CPJ has claimed that at least 40 journalists were targeted around the riots in Brasilia which took place last Sunday. At least 16 were targeted in the capital, while at least 24 have been subsequently attacked or harassed. 

According to reports, dozens of journalists were attacked, threatened, and harassed by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro as they stormed key government buildings in the capital of Brazil, such as the Congress, Supreme Court and presidential offices.

The recent election of President Lula de Silva was largely seen as an opportunity for improved press freedom in Brazil. However, the shadow of former President Jair Bolsonaro loomed large in Brasilia on Sunday as thousands of his supporters gathered, provoked by the election results.

The Public Media Alliance condemns the attacks on journalists, who themselves perform a key democratic function in keeping the public informed. Journalists must be able to report without fear for their own safety and PMA joins calls for authorities to conduct a swift investigation to hold those responsible to account.