Portuguese journalist claims he was detained by the PF upon arriving for a demonstration in SP

Portuguese journalist Sérgio Tavares published a video on his social networks this Sunday morning (25) stating that he was detained by the Federal Police when he arrived in Brazil to cover the political event called by former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) on Avenida Paulista, in São Paulo. According to Tavares, his passport was detained by the Federal Police (PF) upon landing at Guarulhos airport. He was released about two and a half hours later.

On video, the journalist claims that other passengers on international flights were authorized to enter Brazil. He, however, would have been retained by the PF to answer questions. According to Tavares, the Portuguese embassy made contact with the Federal Police station at around 9:40 am.

“I just came to take images of Bolsonaro’s event to show the world this great demonstration for democracy that will take place today. But at the moment I am detained by the Federal Police and I do not have authorization to pass”, said the journalist.

In a previous post, Tavares said he was coming to Brazil for what he called a “double mission”. In addition to covering the demonstration in São Paulo, which he classified as “a gigantic cry of revolt by the Brazilian people against the dictatorship into which the country has plunged”, the journalist pointed out that he would also go to Brasília on Monday (26) to participate in a Senate hearing “to denounce to the world the atrocity of mandatory vaccination against Covid in babies and children”.

The journalist interviewed Bolsonaro in a live broadcast on his channel on February 3rd. On the occasion, the former president stated that Brazil lives in a dictatorship and that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) persecutes conservative parliamentarians. “We are living in a dictatorship here where everyone is afraid to use their cell phone and exchange information on the WhatsApp network,” said Bolsonaro.

“I’m here not knowing what to do. They say they want to question me. I want to warn everyone that I do not currently have authorization as a Portuguese citizen to enter Brazil. I hope that my rights are fulfilled and that they don’t make me feel unfair, nothing that I don’t deserve”, concluded Tavares, in the video posted on his profile on X.

Journalist remains silent during questioning and is released two and a half hours later

About two and a half hours after announcing that he had been detained, the journalist confirmed that he had been released by the Federal Police. Under the guidance of a lawyer, Tavares said he remained silent at the police station during the period he was under PF detention.

“They specifically asked about [o ministro do STF] Alexandre de Moraes, [o ex-ministro da Justiça] Flávio Dino], vaccines, January 8th, everything. A Portuguese person who simply comes to cover a demonstration in support of Jair Bolsonaro is subject to all of this”, stated.

The report continues trying to contact the Federal Police. More Informations soon.