Brazil: Gunmen Open Fire on TV Recording Vehicle, Injuring Monique Bittencourt and Cameraman
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns this cowardly act of violence targeting the press
Location: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro
Date: June 11, 2024
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the heinous act of violence perpetrated against journalists Monique Bittencourt and Thiago Bessa. While returning from assignment in Rio de Janeiro, Bittencourt and her camera operator Thiago Bessa were shot at while inside their press vehicle. While both Bittencourt and Bessa sustained minor injuries, the violent assault could have resulted in far more tragic outcomes. Thankfully both suffered only minor injuries, but the senseless and terrifying act of violence against them could have ended their lives. Police have arrested suspects in connection to the crime. Women Press Freedom denounces this attack and commends the police for their swift action. Now justice must be swiftly and thoroughly served to deter future acts of aggression against journalists.
“We were attacked in Belford Roxo, and by a miracle of God, no shots hit us,” revealed Record journalist Monique Bittencourt following a terrifying violent attack on her and her colleague in Rio de Janeiro.
Reporter Bittencourt and cameraman Thiago Bessa were inside their press-marked vehicle when criminals opened fire, injuring both journalists with non-serious shrapnel wounds.
In response, TV Record issued a statement confirming that both Bittencourt and Bessa received treatment at the Belford Roxo Police Station and are in stable condition. The network expressed deep regret and strong condemnation of the violent attack.
Bittencourt says that both journalists are doing fine after the incident, explaining that they were heading back to the station when the shooting occurred.
The Union of Professional Journalists of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro swiftly denounced the attack, characterizing it as a brutal act of urban violence. The union remarked that the reporting vehicle was clearly labeled with the TV Record logo, indicating that the journalists were deliberately targeted.
The same day as the attack, law enforcement agencies apprehended the suspect responsible for the shooting. Three others were arrested during the operation, which involved gunfire directed at the police during the arrest.
In the wake of the attack on journalists Monique Bittencourt and Thiago Bessa, it is imperative to take decisive action to enhance the protection of journalists.It shows the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect journalists and swift and effective law enforcement responses to ensure accountability for attacks on press freedom. Women Press Freedom advocates for stricter penalties for crimes against journalists to serve as a robust deterrent against such violent acts. Additionally, we call for the implementation of stronger press freedom legislation that explicitly safeguards journalists and upholds the fundamental principles of press freedom. Media organizations must also prioritize the safety of their reporters by providing comprehensive security training and resources.
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