The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 10 Brazilian and international civil society groups and press freedom organizations in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2022, calling for Brazilian authorities and candidates in upcoming elections to respect the role of a free press and ensure journalists can work safely.
The statement notes that the general elections, scheduled for October 2, will take place amid “increasing attacks on journalists and communicators and press freedom violations, which are likely to escalate during the electoral campaign.” The groups note that press freedom violations, including physical attacks, harassment campaigns, and legal censorship, occurred during previous elections in 2018 and 2020.
The organizations call on authorities and institutions within Brazil’s executive, legislative, and judiciary branches to respect press freedom throughout the electoral process, investigate attacks on the press, and protect journalists and media outlets to ensure they can work safely.
The full statement is available in Portuguese here.