Facebook, Twitter suspend several accounts of Brazilian President's supporters

Social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter on July 24 reportedly took down accounts of several high-profile supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. According to an international media outlet, deletion of accounts came after Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered removal of 14 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts. decision by Brazilian court was a part of an ongoing probe into alleged dissemination of disinformation by supporters of right-wing Bolsonaro. 

As per reports, owners of suspended accounts included Roberto Jefferson, a former congressman and president of conservative PTB party, businessmen Lucia Hang, Edgar Corona, Oscar Fakhoury, and activist Sara Giromini. Supreme Court Judge ordered accounts in a separate ruling in May, however, accounts were t removed at time. Moraes, during Friday’s hearing, reportedly said that new order is meant to stop accounts from being used as means of committing possible criminal conduct. 

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PTB Party in a reported statement said that it was surprised by yet ar ‘arbitrary measure’ ordered by Moraes. officials also ded that order impedes excessive right to liberty of expression and opinion on social media. Activist Sara Giromini furr reportedly also said that she would complain to international human rights organisation about ‘serious offence against free speech’. 

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‘Unwarranted persecution’ 

While Bolsonaro has t yet dressed removal of social media accounts, earlier this month he h criticised Facebook when social media platform deleted 73 Facebook and Instagram accounts, 14 ps and one group. Brazilian President called suspension of accounts an ‘unwarranted persecution’ and ted that accounts of his leftist opponents were t deleted. 

Brazilian courts have been investigating spre of false news in connection with Bolsonaro. After removal of social media accounts earlier this month, Brazilian President h said that ‘what is happening is regrettable’ and a ‘risk to freedom of press’. Meanwhile, it is believed that several accounts linked to Bolsonaro and his party were being used to ‘eve enforcement, create fictitious personas posing as reporters, post content and man ps masquering as news outlets’. Brazilian Supreme Court has been investigating into ‘fake news attack’ on country’s judiciary. 

(Im: AP) 

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