Federal Chamber demands investigation into threats to journalists in Mato Grosso | VGN

The Commission on Human Rights, Minorities and Racial Equality of the Chamber of Deputies sent a letter to the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, requesting action and information regarding reports of threats to journalists in Mato Grosso. According to information provided by federal deputy Emanuel Pinheiro Neto (MDB/MT), journalists who published criticisms of the state government were reportedly targets of persecution by State Public Security agents.

The letter was also sent to the Deputy Attorney General of the Republic, Carlos Alberto Vilhena and the Attorney General of Mato Grosso, Deosdete Cruz. In the case of these two bodies, the president of the Commission, deputy Daiana Santos, mentions that the allegations of restrictions on the press in Mato Grosso have already been the subject of action by CDHMIR, in a letter sent in 2021, but without a response so far.

The document mentions the seizure of computers and cell phones belonging to journalists Alexandre Aprá, Marco Polo de Freitas Pinheiro (Popó Pinheiro) and Enock Cavalcanti, based on a police investigation for alleged crimes of slander, threats and criminal association. According to the document, the situation worsened after reports accused judge Orlando de Almeida Perri, of the Mato Grosso Court of Justice, of participating in the partnership of a mining company while judging cases in the sector.

The complaint is currently under analysis by the Federal Supreme Court (STF), in Complaint No. 66,246, reported by Minister Cármen Lúcia.

According to the president of the Chamber’s Human Rights Committee, the case raises concerns about freedom of expression and press, fundamental to democracy and guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and international human rights treaties.

The Chamber’s Human Rights Committee also highlighted the importance of investigating complaints to protect journalists and ensure press freedom. The letter requests that the Ministry of Justice adopt measures to investigate the facts and provide clarifications on the actions that will be taken.

Follow the VGNotícias page on Facebook and stay up to date with the news first hand (CLICK HERE).

Join the VGNotícias group on WhatsApp and receive news in real time (CLICK HERE).