Published on: 12.01.2023 – 13:10
In Brazil, investigations continue following the invasion of three institutional buildings in the heart of the administrative capital on Sunday January 8th. At the same time, journalists’ associations are demanding accountability from the government because attacks on the press are increasing. Fourteen journalists and photographers were attacked and their equipment stolen on Sunday alone. Meeting with one of the victims.
With our special correspondents in Brasilia, Maria Normand and Bertrand Haeckler
Teresa Cruvinel shows a video on his cell phone. As a journalist for the independent online medium TV 247, she was there live on Sunday when demonstrators confiscated her phone. “They thought I was there to identify their faces,” she says.
Very quickly, a message with his photo and his name circulated in discussion groups. The journalist is described as a spy. The situation escalates and Tereza Cruvinel is surrounded by fifteen demonstrators. “They shook my shoulders, kicked my legs and asked me to admit that I was a police officer,” she recalls.
She tries in vain to ask a policeman stationed a few meters away for help. “He pointed a gun at my chest.”
► Also read: Brazil: After the attack on Brasilia, the damage sent the country into shock
Antonio Paulo Santos, head of the Ethics Committee of the National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ), explains a recurring situation. “The protesters are responsible for the attacks. But when journalists seek help, the police tell them to go for it. »
An observation that, in his opinion, justifies classifying violence against journalists as a federal crime. His association met with the government on Tuesday 10th January and is demanding immediate answers.
“We demand the identification and prosecution of the journalist attackers. And also the adoption of a government discourse that values journalists,” continues Antonio Paulo Santos.
For him, the hate speech spread by politicians is the origin of a significant increase in violence against the press that has been observed since 2019.
Brazilians fear more violence
In Brasilia, security has been significantly tightened on the esplanade leading to places of power amid fears of new demonstrations. Adriana Lucia, who is waiting for a bus with her daughter at a bus station in central Brasilia, says she is still shocked by images of Sunday’s violence. Also shocked at the police inaction given the determination of the protesters. “It was open, they came in and did whatever they wanted,” she says. I’m afraid it will happen again, I don’t feel safe. People have lost their minds. »
Samara, a 20-year-old student, shares her expectation that the pro-Bolsonaro activists will continue their movement: “I think the Bolsonarists will not leave Lula alone at the head of government. There will be more demonstrations. Brasilia is now completely divided. You are for Bolsonaro or for Lula, there is nothing in between. »
Maria, she’s not quite sure which foot to dance on. “We evangelists are more in line with Bolsonaro,” she says. We still support him today, even if we don’t know exactly why, because of all the confusion. Only God can show us the way. »
► Also read: Brazil: After attack on places of power, Lula denounces “acts of terrorism”.
Military police prepared for a demonstration announced by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday January 11, 2023. AP – Gustavo Moreno