(IFJ/IFEX) – On 10 May 2000, the National Journalists’ Federation (Federacion Nacional de Periodistas, FENAJ) reported that journalist Claudia Bastos, a reporter with the station TV Tapajos, which is affiliated with Rede Globo in Santarém, interior region of Pará, has been receiving death threats since the end of April. Unknown individuals also illegally entered her […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – On 10 May 2000, the National Journalists’ Federation (Federacion Nacional de Periodistas, FENAJ) reported that journalist Claudia Bastos, a reporter with the station TV Tapajos, which is affiliated with Rede Globo in Santarém, interior region of Pará, has been receiving death threats since the end of April. Unknown individuals also illegally entered her house and searched through her belongings.
The threats started and the break-in at her home took place after she returned from Sao Paolo last month, where she was taking a witness known as “Mr. X” to the Congress Investigative Commission (Comissao Parlamentar de Inquerito, CPI) on narcotics trafficking. “Mr X” allegedly condemned the involvement of authorities, businessmen and politicians of the Municipality of Itaituba in the trafficking of drugs and arms in the region.
FENAJ has reported this case to the Chamber of Deputies’ Human Rights Commission, and has contacted the Ministry of Justice requesting that the Federal Police arrange protection for the journalist. Bastos has condemned the crimes to the police, and is currently under the Military Police’s protection.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– requesting an investigation into the death threats
– calling for guarantees so that the journalist is able to carry out her work without danger
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
Fernando Henrique Cardoso
President of the Republic
Fax: +411-1573 1973
E-mail: protocolo@planalto.gov.br
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
