Public Note #13 – In repudiation of the attacks against the journalist Patrícia Campos Mello

The Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns Commission for the Defense of Human Rights – the Arns Commission – goes public to express its vehement repudiation of the attacks suffered by journalist Patrícia Campos Mello, which were carried out by the President of the Republic, Jair Bolsonaro, and federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro. Statements made by both, in recent days, showcase a behavior incompatible with the decorum required by the positions they occupy – configuring, without a doubt, crimes of responsibility to be investigated with due urgency.

It is not new that the President of the Republic has been expressing himself, in an abusive way regarding the work of the press and the constitutional right to freedom of expression. He did so in relation to Glenn Greenwald, editor of the website The Intercept, including by exposing family members of the American journalist to comments of homophobic nature. Now, the president has spoken – in an absolutely vulgar and clearly misogynist way – against Patrícia Campos Mello, an award-winning reporter from the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, who exposed the essence of Bolsonaro’s 2018 electoral campaign by revealing the modus operandi of digital militias.

The President’s anger has been making use of, as a kind of echo chamber, the equally injurious statements on social networks and other platforms made by his sons, who are elected representatives of the Brazilian people. In particular, the statements made by federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, a pseudo-nostalgic of Institutional Act Number 5 – a milestone of a dark period in our history that he never lived and/or about which he never actually informed himself. It is worth remembering that, in addition to Patrícia and Glenn, many other journalists have been disrespected in the daily exercise of their work by a president who rejoices in insulting these professionals with vulgar words and gestures, under the applause of organized supporters.

The intemperance of the head of the Nation can no longer be reduced to mere incidents of the national political life since it consists in a recurrent attack against democratic institutions and represents a profound disrespect for the Brazilian people. In summary, by insulting Patrícia Campos Mello with sexist comments, Mr. Jair Bolsonaro not only tramples on the constitutional prerogatives of journalism but also commits a serious violation of human rights - founded on human dignity -, in addition to tarnishing the Presidency of the Republic.

We hope that Brazilian society will react against this authoritarianism that has been undermining the daily lives of Brazilians, in a country with such serious and urgent challenges to tackle. May democratic institutions stand up in defense of our Constitution and the rule of law. And may we all, together, strengthen the pillars of a free homeland, whose fundamental principles are tolerance, solidarity, and respect for others.