Cármen Lúcia says press freedom 'not in question in Brazil'

São Paulo – Brazil's press freedom is not in question, and the confidentiality of journalistic sources remains protected, stated Supreme Court Minister Cármen Lúcia. She made these assertions during an event hosted by BBC News Brasil and BBC World Service in São Paulo.

Lúcia's comments arrive shortly after Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized a search and seizure operation against the source of a journalist. This source had reported on alleged irregularities concerning Minister Flávio Dino. The minister's defense of source confidentiality is rooted in Brazil's constitution.

"Press freedom is not in question in Brazil for a simple reason: Article 220 of the Constitution expressly guarantees that there is no democracy without press freedom," Lúcia explained. She also referenced Article 5, which ensures the right to work, practice a profession, and maintain source confidentiality when necessary for the job.

While she refrained from commenting on specific ongoing cases, Lúcia noted that the Supreme Court historically upholds press rights as fundamental to a democratic society. She indicated that the case involving the search warrant would eventually reach the Supreme Court's First Panel, of which she is a member, and she would vote according to the court's established position.