In Brazil’s recent municipal elections, female and minority journalists faced heightened harassment, according to a report by CDJor. The analysis underscored a culture of misogyny and hostility following a political shift towards the right. The report advocates for protective measures for journalists and accountability for aggressors as essential steps for safeguarding press freedom in the country.
During the recent municipal elections in Brazil, female journalists and minority-affiliated reporters encountered a significant rise in various forms of harassment, both online and offline. According to a report by the Coalition in Defense of Journalism (CDJor), which monitored hostility from August 15—commencement of the election campaign—until October 27, the date of the runoff, the attacks disproportionately targeted women journalists. Analysts attribute this trend to an entrenched culture of misogyny and hostility towards minority groups. “We live in a very misogynistic and macho culture… when women are in a public space, getting power and being empowered,” remarked Cristina Zahar from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
As the elections were contested for various municipal positions across Brazil, the results highlighted a shifting political landscape, with most right-wing candidates winning mayoral races. This change, reported by Reuters, signifies a general rightward trend despite the previous defeat of far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential elections of 2022.
The CDJor report also underscored the racial violence faced by Black journalists, exemplified by incidents involving journalist Pedro Borges, who encountered racial slurs following his interview with a right-wing candidate. Zahar noted the tendency for Black journalists in Brazil to be subjected to dehumanizing remarks that undermine their professional identity. Likewise, female reporters faced severe assaults primarily manifesting as derogatory comments regarding their looks, particularly on social media, where two-thirds of attacks on women occurred on Instagram.
Juliana Dal Piva, an investigative journalist for ICL Noticias, detailed her tragic experiences of harassment since the beginning of Bolsonaro’s presidency, which contributed to a climate of ongoing hostility toward press freedom. Having faced online vitriol and legal challenges tied to her investigations into the Bolsonaro administration, Dal Piva articulated her struggles against targeted attacks that compromised her reputation and personal safety. “The people around Bolsonaro felt they had to destroy me in some way… instead they attacked me and destroyed me in other ways — my reputation, my career, who I am,” she explained.
Despite Bolsonaro’s removal from office, the repercussions of his leadership continue to foster an environment fraught with hostility towards the press. Zahar indicated, “Since Bolsonaro, a red line has been crossed for the relationship between the presidency and the press,” reflecting on the challenges journalists face in this transformed landscape. Both Zahar and Dal Piva expressed grave concerns for the future of free expression in Brazil, with Zahar stressing the importance of a free press as a bulwark against authoritarianism, saying, “When you do not have free press, what do you have? A dictatorship.”
The CDJor report advocates for enhanced protective measures for journalists, urging authorities to hold aggressors accountable and calling for online platforms to implement more robust mechanisms to mitigate harassment against media professionals.
The municipal elections in Brazil exposed a troubling reality for journalists, particularly women and minorities, as they faced a significant increase in harassment and attacks. The Coalition in Defense of Journalism (CDJor) compiled a report detailing these experiences during the election period, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures and a change in the cultural dynamics surrounding media professionals. This situation is further complicated by Brazil’s shifting political landscape, which has seen a rise of right-wing candidates and an ongoing threat to journalistic integrity and safety.
The recent municipal elections in Brazil unveiled a disturbing trend of increased harassment against female and minority journalists, with significant implications for democracy and free expression. Reports indicate a prevailing misogynistic culture contributing to the attacks, showcasing the urgent need for comprehensive policies to protect journalists and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. As Brazil grapples with its political identity and the legacies of past leadership, ensuring the safety and integrity of the press remains paramount for democratic health.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
