Number of the week

Threats to free press increase under President Bolsonaro

Intimidation of journalists hits a new peak while a decline in government transparency has created an increasingly difficult environment for the fourth estate

President Jair Bolsonaro has treated the press as "the enemy." Photo: Pedro Ladeira/Folhapress) — President Jair Bolsonaro has treated the press as “the enemy.” Photo: Pedro Ladeira/Folhapress)

Jan 29, 2022 9:32 2 min read

Welcome to “Number of the Week,” where we choose a single figure that helps understand what is going on in Brazil. This week, we discuss how President Jair Bolsonaro has spearheaded attacks on press workers.

430: attacks against the press in 2021

Since the early days of his presidency, Jair Bolsonaro has identified journalism as the “enemy.” There is ample evidence of his disdain for the free press – from using public advertising money as leverage to force newspapers to bend the knee to verbal jabs...