Brazil Press Association Files PGR Complaint and Ethics Case Over Journalists’ Expulsion From Chamber

Overview

• ABI said it will petition federal prosecutors for a potential responsibility crime by Chamber president Hugo Motta and file a representation with the Chamber’s Ethics Council.
• Press bodies including Fenaj, ANJ, Aner, Abratel and Abraji condemned the expulsions and reported assaults on reporters, demanding investigation and accountability.
• Journalists were forced from the plenary on Dec. 9 during the removal of Deputy Glauber Braga, with reports of pushes and blows and some professionals needing medical attention.
• In a note, the Presidency cited Ato da Mesa nº 145/2020 and Ordem de Serviço nº 5/2022 to justify removing nonessential personnel and the interruption of TV Câmara’s plenary feed during the suspended session.
• Motta expressed regret and said alleged excesses will be investigated, but he has not clarified whether he ordered the expulsions or authorized the use of force; a meeting with press representatives scheduled for Dec. 10 was canceled.