Since late 2022, there have been reports of serious human rights violations committed by Brazilian officials on a large scale, including judicial malfeasance, the political abuse of legal procedures to persecute political opposition, violations of freedom of speech, and muzzling opposition media.
Some Brazilians have maintained that concerns regarding these issues have become more serious over the past year, and that such actions have gravely undermined democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in Brazil. In early 2023, the jailing and silencing of political opposition in Brazil was widely reported on, including by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and BBC. Yet since early 2023, there has been little reporting outside of Brazil. Speakers will describe their personal experiences regarding these issues, the actions of Brazilian officials in light of Brazilian law and internationally-recognized human rights, and the response of the U.S. government, in Washington at 12 p.m. ET on March 12.
Confirmed featured speakers include:
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Chairman of the House Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee;
- Eduardo Bolsonaro, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil;
- Gustavo Gayer, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil;
- Marcel Van Hatten, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil; and
- Paulo Figueiredo, Award-winning Brazilian journalist
*Note: Over a dozen Members of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil will also be in attendance and available for comment.
