Brazilian lawmakers propose measures to curb election‑time violence against journalists

During a public hearing on 6 May, the Council of Social Communication (CCS) of Brazil’s National Congress debated actions to protect journalists ahead of the 2026 elections. Participants highlighted a surge in digital attacks, citing 57,000 incidents recorded during the 2024 municipal campaign and a 35 % rise in aggressive mentions of journalists in 2025, reaching roughly 900 000 reports. Women journalists were identified as the most targeted group.

The CCS chair, Patrícia Blanco, announced a new working group under the Observatory of Violence against Journalists and Social Communicators to monitor complaints, identify patterns and improve institutional responses. Reports will be submitted through the government’s FalaBR platform and tracked throughout the electoral period. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the public broadcaster EBC and Reporters Without Borders also emphasized the need for permanent prevention mechanisms and accountability for perpetrators.

The hearing underscored that safeguarding journalists is essential for a free press, which in turn protects voters’ right to reliable information and the integrity of the democratic process.