Eight organizations that work to defend press freedom in Brazil published a statement expressing concern after a police search and seizure operation against journalists Enock Cavalcante and Alexandre Aprá in the state of Mato Grosso [in Brazil] on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
"The investigation was initiated due to a complaint presented by the state governor, Mauro Mendes, due to the publication of two articles on the Isso É Notícias website, directed by Aprá. The journalists are accused of major calúnia (defamation), major persecution and criminal association. The politician claims that his honor was violated by the publications, which allegedly insinuated the existence of an illicit relationship between him and Judge Orlando de Almeida Perri, of the Court of Justice of Mato Grosso.
[...]
Over the past year, several cases of judicial harassment were recorded against press professionals who produced content critical of Governor Mauro Mendes. At least 17 professionals are being targeted by police investigations or lawsuits in the state, creating a scenario of systematic persecution of journalists and communicators who report ongoing investigations or take a stand against state government actions."
