Online harassment directed at Lima escalate amid rising nationalism and growing societal tension

Location: Portugal, Lisbon

Date: February 3, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Amanda Lima, a Lisbon-based Brazilian journalist who is facing a barrage of xenophobic and sexist attacks. This abuse, characterized by sexist slurs and xenophobic vitriol from far-right nationalists, is an affront to the values of democracy, equality, and human rights. We strongly denounce these attacks and call on the authorities to take decisive action against xenophobia and gender-based violence targeting journalists. It is imperative that the government ensures a safe environment where journalists can perform their duties without fear of intimidation and violence.

Read latest reports from the globe

On February 3, less than a kilometer apart in Lisbon, Amanda Lima — a Portogal-based Brazilian journalist — witnessed firsthand the stark contrast between two unfolding protests that encapsulated the deepening divisions within Portugal. As she describes to Women Press Freedom, Largo do Intendente buzzed with the vibrancy of multiculturalism celebrations, where music, food, and signs warmly welcomed migrants, painting a scene of inclusivity and diversity. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically in Largo de Camões. Here, Lima recounts, the air was charged with the chants of "Portugal for Portuguese people," echoing the sentiments of a far-right nationalist group. This group not only praised the historic dictator Salazar but also voiced strong opposition against what they perceived as the "Islamization of Europe." 

Lima, who provides insightful commentary on the growing animosity towards immigrants in the country for CNN Portugal alongside her contribution to a national newspaper, has experienced firsthand the xenophobic and sexist harassment that has become a disturbing trend in Portugal.

“They are growing more serious, using tools such as AI to generate offensive images of me and sending threats of physical aggression, rape, and even death,” Lima tells Women Press Freedom in an exclusive interview about the continuous harassment she faces. "I see male colleagues being attacked, but their honor or dignity as a man is never questioned, and they are never threatened with rape like we women do." 

The sentiment against immigrants, especially Brazilians, has always been there, but Lima says that the intensity of the hostility has escalated in recent years. She attributes this to the growing Brazilian and migrant population in Portugal, which seems to have emboldened those with xenophobic views to voice their prejudices more openly.

The polarized political climate, she believes, lends legitimacy to these prejudiced views. As Portugal experiences a wave of nationalism, similar to what Brazil faced in recent years, it's creating an environment of increased tension and xenophobia.

“I think it is very unfair, and I am sad that Portugal, such a peaceful and welcoming country, is being dominated by these radical ideas. It is the same modus operandi of the extreme right in other nations, for example, thinking that everyone who does not support them is a ‘communist’ or part of the ‘extreme left.’ This is a crazy and very toxic thing.” Lima tells Women Press Freedom. 

"Their goal is to silence anyone with a foreign voice and make sure that we have no space, that we leave this 'land' for another so that they no longer feel uncomfortable," adds Lima.

Lima has also had to navigate the challenges of online harassment. While some comments are made by trolls, others come from people who feel empowered to express their prejudices openly. The vitriol aimed at her, particularly as a woman and migrant, is distressing.

The journalist finds that racism and xenophobia are often intertwined. Comments urging her to "go back to her country" reflect broader anti-migrant sentiments. She acknowledges that people from Black and other marginalized communities often bear the brunt of these prejudices.

In her everyday life, Lima has encountered instances of xenophobia within public services and during her search for housing. These experiences underscore the barriers faced by migrants in Portugal, which are often exacerbated by language barriers.

The upcoming elections, coupled with the rise of far-right parties espousing anti-migrant rhetoric, signal a period of uncertainty and instability. Lima believes there is an urgent need for regulatory measures to address hate speech and xenophobia.

“Portugal is currently facing the same situation seen in many other countries, which is public distrust in the press. It is not general, and it comes from a radical minority. However, this group is very, very noisy and influential. This distrust is fueled by the spread of misinformation and fake news, which is often used to manipulate public opinion and undermine the credibility of the media.” continues Lima.

As Portugal grapples with its historical legacy and contemporary social divisions, Lima stresses the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding to tackle the root causes of discrimination and intolerance.

Women Press Freedom extends its unwavering support to Amanda Lima and strongly condemns the xenophobic and gender-based hate she has been targeted with. Portugal, with its rich history of peaceful coexistence and welcoming attitudes, must not allow a vocal minority to dominate the discourse with radical and divisive ideologies. It is imperative for Portuguese society to stand in solidarity with journalists like Amanda Lima, who, despite facing significant challenges, continue to shed light on critical issues and advocate for democracy and human rights. We call on the relevant authorities to conduct an exhaustive inquiry into the threats she has faced, identify those responsible and hold them to account. It is essential to ensure the protection of journalists so they can continue to fulfill their crucial role.

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.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.