Entities and parliamentarians repudiate aggression against journalists by Maduro’s security guards

The aggression against journalists accompanying the interview of the dictator Nicolás Maduro in Brasília, on the night of this Tuesday (30), was criticized by entities representing the sector and congressmen. The Venezuelan leader is in Brazil participating in the South American Summit and was received with honors by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).

Among the victims of the attack is journalist Délis Ortiz, from TV Globo, who was punched in the chest by one of the members of the Institutional Security Office (GSI) who provided Maduro’s security.

The National Association of Newspapers (ANJ) stated that “violence against the press is unacceptable in a democracy. The ANJ awaits a rigorous investigation by the authorities with due accountability of the aggressors, whether Brazilians or foreigners”.

The Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) said that “it is unjustifiable and unacceptable that in a democratic government like in Brazil, security guards attack the press, as is usually the case in Venezuela”. The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (Abraji) went further and stated that “the violation of press freedom must be rigorously investigated”.

Lawmakers condemn aggression

The aggression against journalists also had repercussions among congressmen. Federal deputy Alberto Mourão (MDB/SP) recalled that “Venezuela has already committed serious violations of Human Rights and, now, witnessing Maduro security guards attack essential professionals for our democracy is unacceptable”.

“We cannot tolerate this violence on Brazilian soil. I expect and will demand a full and fair investigation, with punishments for those responsible and an official retraction out of respect not only for the press, but for all Brazilians”, he said.

Senator Sergio Moro (União Brasil-PR) stated that the aggression against Delis Ortiz is “yet another sign that everything is wrong on this visit” by Maduro to Brazil.

Federal deputy Jandira Feghali (PCdoB-RJ), from the government base, said it was “lamentable the aggression, after President Nicolas Maduro’s press conference, against journalists, especially Delis Ortiz. Our solidarity with the reporter and our rejection of any attempt to prevent the free exercise of the profession. Nothing justifies violence. That he be duly investigated and punished in accordance with the law”.

Also from the government base, deputy Sâmia Bonfim (Psol-SP) said that “the press must be free and it is not admissible that it be prevented from exercising its role with the use of violence”. Senator Paulo Paim (PT-RS) stated that “the aggression suffered yesterday [terça, 30] by press professionals at Itamaraty. My solidarity to all and to the journalist Delis Ortiz”.