Brazil: Women Press Freedom Denounces Harassment of CNN Reporter Isadora Aires at CPAC
Aires harassed by participants, forcing the reporter to leave the venue
Location: Brasil, Balneario Camboriu
Date: July 7, 2024
Women Press Freedom condemns in the strongest terms the harassment of CNN reporter Isadora Aires by participants at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Brazil in Balneário Camboriú. This blatant act of intimidation against a journalist simply doing her job is unacceptable. The increasing hostility towards journalists at politically charged events like CPAC Brazil is deeply concerning. Such actions not only threaten the safety and well-being of journalists but also undermine the fundamental principles of a free press and democracy. Women Press Freedom calls on the organizers of CPAC Brazil to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all journalists covering their events. We also urge the Brazilian government and law enforcement agencies to uphold their commitment to press freedom by investigating these incidents thoroughly and holding those responsible accountable.
Isadora Aires, a reporter for CNN, was harassed by participants at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Brazil on Sunday morning, forcing her to leave the venue. The incident took place at the annual conservative gathering in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina.
Aires had just completed a live broadcast and was preparing to go on air again when she was surrounded by a group of attendees. The situation escalated to the point where the event had to be temporarily halted for a few minutes. Paulo Vitor Souza, the event's presenter, addressed the audience from the stage, stating, "There's some commotion, but I'd like to ask you to focus on what's happening here, alright?"
This incident follows another episode on Saturday when a journalist was pushed and followed after questioning Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of former President Jair Bolsonaro, about a recent controversy involving jewelry.
CNN Brasil released a statement in support of Aires, adding that she is a professional reporter and that they consider “this type of attitude a threat to democracy and freedom of expression.” CNN Brasil further stated that they “will not be intimidated in carrying out its coverage, which is nonpartisan and without ideological bias.”
The CPAC Brazil conference, known for its strong conservative agenda, has drawn significant media attention. CPAC, originally founded in the United States, has become a global platform for conservative leaders and activists. The Brazilian edition has been marked by intense political discourse and high-profile appearances, including key figures from Brazil's conservative movement. However, the treatment of journalists at the event raise concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters covering politically charged events.
The CPAC management has vehemently condemned the aggression towards media professionals. “CPAC is a democratic space founded on the principle of guaranteeing freedom of expression for everyone,” they stated in response to the incidents.
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with CNN reporter Isadora Aires. We welcome CPAC management’s condemnation of the aggression towards media professionals. However, words alone are not enough. It is imperative that CPAC Brazil takes immediate, concrete actions to ensure that such incidents do not recur. This includes implementing robust security measures, clearly communicating a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, and providing support to journalists covering their events. Furthermore, we urge the Brazilian authorities to play their crucial role in conducting thorough investigations into these incidents and holding those responsible accountable. Protecting journalists is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental pillar of a democratic society, and we trust in the authorities to uphold this.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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