The Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert) has expressed strong condemnation of the threats and virtual assaults against journalists who were covering the hospitalization of former president Jair Bolsonaro in Brasília on Friday, 13th. Journalists faced harassment at hospital entry points and were subjected to threats on social media platforms. Abert's public statement emphasized that such violence is inexcusable and called on local authorities to investigate the incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.

The hostility towards the journalists escalated particularly after a video was published by congressman Mario Frias, in which he accused the reporters of wishing death upon Bolsonaro. Despite no evidence presented in the footage that substantiated this claim, the fallout resulted in the exposure of journalists' personal information, leading to a surge in offensive messages directed at them. This situation highlights the precarious position journalists often find themselves in when reporting on politically sensitive subjects.

The situation underscores broader issues regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists in Brazil, especially in the politically charged atmosphere surrounding Bolsonaro and his supporters. The call for accountability from Abert reflects concerns within the media industry regarding the rising trend of aggressive behaviors aimed at journalists, which could deter the essential role they play in democracy and public accountability.