Brazil reports surge in political violence during election period

Journalist Mateus Fernandes, a social media communicator from São Paulo, has reported receiving multiple death and torture threats, including Nazi salutes and Ku Klux Klan references, following his public support for President Lula. The threats were accompanied by doxing on Facebook, forcing Fernandes to leave his home due to safety concerns. Legal action has been initiated through the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office and Civil Police following a lack of effective response from Meta.

Data from human rights organizations Terra de Direitos and Justiça Global indicates that Fernandes' case is part of a broader trend. During a 50-day campaign period, Brazil recorded 134 episodes of political violence, averaging one incident every nine hours. Of these, 102 cases targeted registered candidates, while 32 incidents affected non-candidates, including councilors, mayors, and party officials.