The minister of the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom), Paulo Pimenta, announced that the Lula government has activated the Federal Police (PF) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGU) to identify and punish anyone who spreads “fake news” about the operation of rescue and shelter in Rio Grande do Sul, a state hit by historic floods.
“I’m really outraged. I think it’s a joke. There are people working 24 hours a day, four days without sleep. People putting their lives at risk to save people. Meanwhile, there is a fake news industry fed by parliamentarians, by influencers, by people who are dedicated to hindering the effort being made to save lives”, https://twitter.com/secomvc/status/1787960111950086350
According to a statement from Secom, the Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa, has already determined that the AGU and the Ministry of Justice adopt necessary measures to prevent the spread of false news.
The AGU minister, Jorge Messias, highlighted a team to take care of the matter and notified social networks about the publications considered “false” by the government.
After the announcement, Secom issued a note classifying as “fake news” reports that cargo vehicles with donations were being blocked from access roads to Rio Grande do Sul.
According to the statement, the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) “is committed to facilitating the movement of cargo, especially basic necessities, to supply the population affected by the rains”.
The issue gained repercussion from videos on social media and TV reports showing trucks being blocked and fined by ANTT inspections.
Tags: Lula government AGU punish fake news operations
