Brazil is experiencing an unprecedented assault on freedom of expression, with censorship, misleading statements, content removal, and intimidation commonplace, writes Gazeta do Povo, one of Brazil’s leading conservative newspapers, in its latest editorial.
Now, prosecutors in São Paulo are taking a further step by seeking to revoke telecommunications concessions—an action reminiscent of the military dictatorship, Gazeta says.
The target is Jovem Pan, a conservative broadcasting company previously forced to air a misleading statement.
The prosecutors allege that certain programs violated the law by undermining trust in democratic processes, delegitimizing constitutional powers, inciting disobedience, encouraging rebellion, and advocating armed forces intervention.
However, the evidence presented by the prosecutors does not support their claims, affirms the newspaper.
The cited excerpts show criticisms of specific institutions and actions rather than incitement to commit crimes or advocate for democratic ruptures.
These comments are protected by Brazilian law and fall within the realm of legitimate speech.
The attempt to revoke broadcast concessions based on “thought crimes” raises concerns about the country’s growing authoritarianism.
The judiciary must protect freedom of expression and the press, as suppressing concessions based on such grounds represents a significant infringement on fundamental rights, added Gazeta.
The criticism of institutions and the exercise of political expressions aimed at social purposes are protected under Brazilian law.
Upholding these principles is vital to safeguarding democracy and preserving a free and open society, concluded the editorial.