Brazil: Illegal Espionage by Intelligence Agency Under Bolsonaro Targets Journalists, Politicians and Members of Judiciary
Journalists Mônica Bergamo, Vera Magalhães, and Luiza Alves Bandeira surveilled
Location: Brazil
Date: July 11, 2024
Federal Police investigations have uncovered an illegal monitoring operation orchestrated by a covert group within the intelligence agency Abin, targeting journalists, politicians, and public officials. Four journalists, including Mônica Bergamo, Vera Magalhães, and Luiza Alves Bandeira, known for their critical reporting on the Bolsonaro administration and their efforts to fact-check and expose misinformation, were named as targets of these illicit intelligence operations. Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the surveillance and targeting of members of the press and opposition figures. We welcome the police’s arrests of those involved and urge swift prosecutions of all guilty parties. The coordinated surveillance of journalists demonstrates the former President Bolsonaro administration’s utter contempt for press freedom. These illegal activities by the intelligence agency must face consequences. The results of this probe will send a strong signal to the country and future administrations about the repercussions of abusing power to silence critics.
On July 11, 2024, Brazil's Federal Police announced a major investigation into illegal surveillance by a covert group called "Parallel Abin" during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency. This group operated outside the legal framework of Brazil's official intelligence agency, Abin, which is responsible for national security.
Parallel Abin misused intelligence resources for unauthorized surveillance of political adversaries, journalists, and public officials. Journalists targeted include Mônica Bergamo, from Folha de S.Paulo, and Vera Magalhães, a presenter on TV Cultura, journalist and researcher Luiza Alves Bandeira, and Pedro Cesar Batista.
"It's despicable to have a government apparatus monitoring people who they imagine can somehow undermine their government. It's a very strange feeling," Mônica Bergamo told the Band News Channel following the revelations that she was under surveillance.
The covert group reportedly used Israeli software, FirstMile, to illegally intercept communications and collect information on its targets. These clandestine activities aimed to intimidate and discredit critics of the Bolsonaro administration and undermine those investigating or opposing it. Tactics also included the creation of fake profiles and the sharing of false information to tarnish the reputations of those targeted.
Jair Bolsonaro, known for his far-right political stance, served as President of Brazil from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. His presidency was marked by controversial policies and statements, particularly regarding environmental issues, COVID-19 response, and critical journalists.
The National Federation of Journalists (Fenaj) condemned Parallel Abin’s targeting of journalists as criminal and a direct threat to press freedom, highlighting the violation of journalists' rights and source confidentiality. The Brazilian Press Association (ABI) also criticized using federal resources for this purpose, calling it an affront to democratic principles.
As the Federal Police investigations progress, several people, including high-ranking Abin officials, have been arrested and charged. On July 11, 2024, police executed five preventive arrest warrants and seven search and seizure warrants across various cities in Brazil, including Brasília, Curitiba, Juiz de Fora, Salvador, and São Paulo.
If the investigations confirm the allegations, those involved may face several potential charges, including being part of a criminal organization, actions that threaten democratic governance, illegally intercepting private communications, and unauthorized access to computer devices and networks. Once the Federal Police finalize their findings, they can formally indict the suspects, leading to prosecution in the courts.
Women Press Freedom firmly denounces the alleged actions of the “Parallel Abin” operation. These illegal covert activities under Bolsonaro’s administration represent severe violations of legal and ethical standards, including breaches of privacy rights, illegal surveillance, and the misuse of state resources for personal and political gain. The exposure of the "Parallel Abin" operation is a reminder of the threats posed to democracy and press freedom by authoritarian practices. It shows the urgent need for robust legal protections and independent oversight to safeguard journalists and uphold the integrity of democratic institutions. Women Press Freedom expresses solidarity with the targeted journalists and welcomes a thorough investigation that results in the criminal prosecution of those responsible.
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