Bonificacio de Andrada, a member of the Brazilian Congress who serves as the attorney for Congress’s Chamber of Deputies, has begun criminal and civil proceedings against television commentator Arnaldo Jabor for comments he made during a news bulletin on 30 May 1996 on Rede Globo, Brazil’s most popular television network. Jabor likened the Chamber to […]
Bonificacio de Andrada, a member of the Brazilian Congress who
serves as the attorney for Congress’s Chamber of Deputies, has
begun criminal and civil proceedings against television
commentator Arnaldo Jabor for comments he made during a news
bulletin on 30 May 1996 on Rede Globo, Brazil’s most popular
television network. Jabor likened the Chamber to a marketplace
where votes were traded for favours.
The legal proceedings initiated against Jabor are especially
disturbing since they coincide with attempts by some
congressional deputies to use this case to speed up the passing
of a new media bill which would severely curtail press freedom in
Brazil. The bill would make media organisations convicted of
libel or defamation liable for a fine of up to 10 per cent of
their annual revenue.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
proceedings begun against Arnaldo Jabor are discontinued
media bill does not become law and to ensure that existing laws
are not abused by officials intent on silencing criticism by the
press
would create an intimidating environment for the Brazilian media
Congress as well as passing restrictive media legislation would
cast doubts on the future of democracy in Brazil
Appeals To
His Excellency Fernando Henrique Cardoso
President
Palacio do Planalto
70160-990
Brasilia DF, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 226 7566
Sergio Motta
Minister of Communications
Brasilia DF, Brazil
Fax: +55 61 226 3980
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
