Rousseff speaks out for freedom of expression

President Dilma Rousseff spoke out for freedom of expression “in all forms, all possibilities, and all nuances”, at the opening event celebrating the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Day at Copacabana Palace.

“Freedom of expression for the society, people, citizen to express themselves, their plans, their wishes, their hopes and interests through different media, with no State censorship or economic constraints,” the president said.

Press freedom is guaranteed in Brazil, she said, noting that she prefers “the noise and criticism usually and naturally found in democracy to the silence imposed or obligingly accepted in a dictatorship.” The president argued that in order to ensure freedom of expression, all media should provide opportunities and spaces “without censorship or self-censorship”, for debating the rights and advances of the civilization, including respect for diversity.

“Media companies, especially radio and television stations and networks, as well as online and print content makers, have a key role to play in building an agenda for diversity, respect for individual and human rights, personal advancement, and social justice,” the president said.

In her address, Rousseff also mentioned government incentives to film and television productions in the country and the regulation of Internet use as an effort to uphold online freedom of expression, privacy, and neutrality.

Translated by Mayra Borges