Brazil: Journalist Schirlei Alves Sentenced Over Coverage of Controversial Rape Trial
Schirlei Alves' investigative reporting initially led to disciplinary action against a judge and the enactment of a new federal law
Location: Brazil, Florianopolis
Date: November 11, 2023
In a verdict that strikes at the very heart of press freedom and justice, Brazilian journalist Schirlei Alves was unjustly sentenced to one year of open detention and fined over $80,000. This decision, rendered by the 5th Criminal Court of Florianopolis, is a blatant attack not only on a courageous journalist but also on the principles of free and independent journalism. The Coalition For Women In Journalism firmly supports Schirlei Alves. We vehemently denounce the court's shocking verdict against her and call for an immediate reversal of the decision and her unconditional exoneration.
“I am being punished for having done my job as a journalist, for having revealed to the public an absurdity of power committed by the judiciary,” says reporter Schirlei Alves after she was handed down a sentence for defamation of public officials. “This decision seems to me to be an attempt at intimidation, at silencing not only myself, but other journalists who cover the judiciary.”
“This decision seems to me to be an attempt at intimidation, at silencing not only myself, but other journalists who cover the judiciary”
In 2020, Alves was accused of defamation and sued by Judge Rudson Marcos and Prosecutor Thiago Carriço. The suits brought by Marcos and Carriço followed Alves' exposé revealing excerpts from the investigation and trial proceedings of a controversial rape trial in which businessman André de Camargo Aranha was acquitted of raping influencer Mariana Ferrer. Despite Ferrer's allegations and corroborative evidence, the Public Prosecutor's Office sanctioned the acquittal, arguing the rape was unintentional.
Alves' investigation revealed Aranha's lawyer, Cláudio Gastão da Rosa Filho, had made suggestive remarks about Ferrer's profession and social media pictures, and exposed a lack of intervention from Judge Rudson Marcos. This revelation led to national outrage, disciplinary actions against the judge and prosecutor, and the enactment of the Mari Ferrer Law to prevent such judicial conduct in the future.
However, the fallout for Alves was severe. Besides facing defamation charges from Judge Marcos and Prosecutor Thiago Carriço, she was incessantly harassed and threatened. Alves had to shut down her social media profiles, and her professional life suffered immensely.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Alves stated, "My only desire was to expose the truth. Despite everything, I would do it again. I hope our sufferings lead to change so women don't endure what we did."
“My only desire was to expose the truth. Despite everything, I would do it again”
On November 11, nearly three years after she was sued, Alves was convicted and sentenced to one year and $40,000 in damages for each case lodged against her. Alves’ defense has appealed the sentences, criticizing them as arbitrary and illegal.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in unwavering solidarity with Schirlei Alves, whose groundbreaking reporting on the Mariana Ferrer rape trial led to significant judicial reforms, including the enactment of the Mari Ferrer Law, aimed at upholding judicial decorum and protecting the rights of victims in the court. Her investigative work exemplified journalism at its most impactful, shedding light on judicial misconduct and societal ills. Yet, rather than being commended for her brave and necessary work, she faces a punitive and oppressive sentence.
We strongly condemn the shocking verdict against the reporter. This ruling only reinforces the dangerous notion that those in positions of power can act with impunity, posing a significant threat to democratic values. We demand an immediate reversal of the court's decision and the journalist's prompt acquittal.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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