The Federal Police will investigate the dissemination of fake news about the actions of federal, state and municipal governments in the floods of Rio Grande do Sul. The request to open the investigation was made by the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom) of the Presidency of the Republic to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
In the letter, the chief minister of Secom, Paulo Pimenta, lists the names of digital influencers, accounts on social networks and posts on the internet that have been disseminating false information about the work to rescue people and the recovery from the damage in the state. According to Pimenta, there are “misinformative and criminal narratives” that have an impact on the deepening of the social crisis experienced by the population of Rio Grande do Sul.
“The content states that the Federal Government would not be helping the population, that the FAB [Força Aérea Brasileira] would not have agility and that the Army and PRF [Polícia Rodoviária Federal] they would be blocking aid trucks. I highlight with concern the impact of these narratives on the credibility of institutions such as the Army, FAB, PRF and ministries, which are crucial in responding to emergencies. The spread of falsehoods can diminish the population’s confidence in the State’s response capabilities, hampering evacuation and rescue efforts at critical times. It is essential that actions are taken to protect the integrity and effectiveness of our institutions in the face of such crises”, says the letter.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the investigation will investigate illicit acts or possible crimes related to the dissemination of misinformation and individualization of conduct.
In partnership with the Attorney General’s Office (AGU), competent bodies will be called to take legal action to hold those responsible accountable.
Tags: investigate fake news relief actions
