"Photojournalist Sérgio Silva still had a remnant of hope that the Court of Justice of São Paulo would reconsider its 2017 decision, but that's not what happened. The 9th Chamber of Civil Law unanimously maintained, on Wednesday (April 26), the understanding that the State is not responsible for the shooting by a military police officer who blinded the photographer while covering a demonstration in 2013.
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For the photojournalist, the denial opens a dangerous precedent for press professionals. 'They leave open a possibility that, if a press professional, in the exercise of their profession, suffers some kind of violence, they may not have justice, any kind of investigation. It's an open precedent for the perpetuation of violence.'
The human rights organization Artigo 19, which is following the case, said it views Wednesday's (April 26) decision 'with great concern.' 'The Brazilian state has a duty to guarantee a safe environment for journalists and communicators, and the result of today's judgment sends a message contrary to the state's obligation to ensure freedom of expression,' said a statement from the organization. It also advocates an end to the use of 'elastomer ammunition' (rubber bullets) in the country, especially in the context of protests."
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