Government calls PF to punish fake news about catastrophe in Rio Grande do Sul

Government activated the PF this Tuesday (7) (Photo: PF, Disclosure)

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. This Tuesday (7), the minister of the Secretariat of Social Communication, Paulo Pimenta, sent a letter to the minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, requesting the investigation of illicit acts.

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— I’m really outraged. I think it’s a joke. There are people working 24 hours a day, four days without sleeping. 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 disrupting the effort being made to save lives — said Pimenta.

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In the letter, the minister also lists the names of digital influencers, social media accounts and internet posts that have been disseminating false information about the work to rescue people and the recovery from the damage in the State. According to the minister, 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 (Brazilian Air Force) would not be agile and that the Army and the PRF (Federal Highway Police) 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”, says the letter.

Still according to Pimenta, the spread of fake news can reduce the population’s confidence in the state’s response capabilities and harm evacuation and rescue efforts at critical moments.

— It is essential that actions are taken to protect the integrity and effectiveness of our institutions in the face of such crises — he concludes.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the investigation will investigate illegal 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.

*With information from Agência Brasil

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