XVII Congress of the Brazilian Studies Association

Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Dispute: Brazil after Truth Commissions

• In Event: Coup d'état 60 years later: The Authoritarian Legacy and Current Conflicts on Freedom of Expression

Abstract

Fifty-nine years after the 1964 coup d'état, Brazil experienced another attempt to seize power with the episode of January 8, 2023. It is intriguing that even after the National Truth Commission's final report was published in December 2014, which exposed the atrocities committed by an authoritarian regime that lasted for 21 years, the country is once again experiencing an upsurge in authoritarianism. Extreme right-wing groups are gaining ground and seeking to censor cultural practices and intimidate professionals who express dissenting opinions or are critical of the imposed extremist ideology. This includes artists, journalists, and other professionals who oppose the notion of morality enforced by these extremist groups. To comprehend the process, this paper aims to explain how the concept of freedom of expression has become a subject of disagreement among political groups. Additionally, it will provide research data demonstrating the increase in conservatism and censorship practices between 2017 and 2022.

Authors

• Fernanda Nalon Sanglard, PUC Minas / Sociedade Mineira de Cultura

• Maiara Orlandini, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais

• Marina Camisasca, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUC-MG)