Supreme Court chief creates commission to ensure press freedom in Brazil

In a statement made Wednesday (May 3), Brazil's Supreme Court chief Justice and head of the National Justice Council Cármen Lúcia announced the creation of the commission for the National Forum for the Judiciary Branch and Press Freedom, aimed at discussing and advancing proposals supporting the freedom of expression of news outlets throughout the country.

During the 9th Press Freedom and Democracy Forum, promoted in Brasília by magazine and portal Imprensa, Cármen Lúcia noted that press freedom and freedom of speech are entrenched clauses in Brazil's Federal Constitution and cannot be changed, as they play a crucial role in democracy. “Democry lives because liberties are enforced,” she said.

She went on to say, however, that Brazil is not a country where the free exercise of journalism is ensured. In every sector, she added, especially in the judiciary, the Constitution must be strictly observed, as it ensures the work of journalists to keep citizens informed and educated.

“Any sort of censorship is prohibited, and it still exists, and [there are also] journalists prevented from the enforcement of their rights. This must be addressed,” she argued.

Cármen Lúcia noted that Brazil is facing a moment of major transformations in all fields, including journalism. She stressed, however, the work of journalists in an ever changing democratic society. “Free press is key to the preservation of democracy. And that's exactly the kind of state we want to live,” Cármen Lúcia said.

In order for the press to flourish in a democratic society, she said, journalists must work, “seek his information, keep citizens informed and do what no one else can, namely to ensure the full exercise of an a free, informed citizenship that's responsible for its choices.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira