Brazilian Government Accused of Threats and Harassment Against Journalist Glenn Greenwald

August 06, 2024 – Brazil – 

Then-President Jair Bolsonaro and his administration escalated a mounting campaign of threats and harassment against American‑Brazilian journalist Glenn Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept Brasil. This came on the heels of Greenwald’s publication of leaked Telegram messages suggesting undue collusion between Chief Justice Sérgio Moro and Lava Jato prosecutors—an exposé exposing potential judicial misconduct.

During a military ceremony on 27 July, Bolsonaro publicly threatened Greenwald with imprisonment, accusing him of undermining the government. His supporters echoed these attacks, labeling the journalist “aligned with criminal hackers.” Meanwhile, Greenwald and his team reported receiving credible death threats, including intimidation targeting his family and private security.

In response, both the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Brazilian affiliate, FENAJ, condemned the government’s actions. They demanded that authorities halt the intimidation campaign and ensure the safety and basic rights of journalists.

On 8 August, a critical intervention by the Brazilian Supreme Court occurred. Justice Gilmar Mendes issued a ruling barring any investigation into Greenwald’s reporting, ruling that such an inquiry would “constitute an unequivocal act of censorship”.

The case underscores Brazil’s broader struggle over press freedom under Bolsonaro’s administration. It highlights the perils faced by journalists uncovering politically sensitive information and the stark choice government officials can make between respecting democratic norms or silencing dissent through intimidation.

Reference – 

Brazil: Government threatens and harasses journalist Glenn Greenwald – IFJ