Brazil Slaps Back Even Harder

Well, Brazil has slapped back even harder against the New York Times (link in Portugues; translation below):

Press Release

In view of the frivolous news article, that was dishonest and offensive to the honor of the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, with serious damage to the nation's image to the world, published in last May 9th's edition of the newspaper The New York Times, the Justice Ministry has determined, under the terms of Article 26 of Law nº 6.815, that the presence in the national territory of the author of this article is unsuitable. Under the circumstances, the Ministry has decided to cancel the temporary visa of Mr. William Larry Rohter, Junior.

Brasília, May 11, 2004

Luiz Paulo Teles Ferreira Barreto
Acting Justice Minister

This is unfortunate. It was a stupid article, and considering the nature of US-Brazilian relations recently, Rohter shouldn't be surprised. Rohter, however, had several good articles about Brazil and was substantially better in covering the country than his immediate predecessor, Diana Jean Schemo. I hope they find someone good to replace Rohter if they are unable to smooth this over. I also hope that this doesn't bring about a tit for tat.

Tip of the hat to reader VK for tipping me off in the comments section of this post.

Comments

[stephen]

I'm with you on this one, Randy. I understand that Rohter and the NYT have stood by the story, even if perhaps Rohter's choice of sources could have been more...what...credible? balanced?

It's a step too far to deny journalists the freedom to report what they consider newsworthy, especially for a paper like the NYT. Expelling journos in the name of the dignity of the state has a certain stink to it - how far does it go (a $13k fine for flipping off a cop?). Lula was quoted as saying Rohter's reportage didn't warrant comment, but that it did warrant action. Thus his support for the response.

Yesterday's O Globo had a cartoon juxtaposing Bush onto the other end of the leash holding a naked Iraqi prisoner, while Lula pours himself a glass of wine. Caption "Those Americans...". Today's, same Bush with Iraqi, head into Rio's NYT bureau, "keep working guys, I need more news!".

The points are well made, funny and probing, and if they subject Bush to criticism, just or unjust, well, that's sometimes the role of the press. No reason why Lula can't expect the same. The dignity of the office of President speaks for itself; snapping back at the foreign press corps reflects poorly on the maturity and confidence of Brazil's government. Lula's correct that this warrants no comment, wrong that it warrants an action assim.

[Tom DC/VA]

Lula should have either made a joke about it or done nothing. He really has better things to worry about.

[Will]

I have good friends who have worked with Larry in the past and they call say categorically that he's a stand-up guy and journalist. I'm assuming there are some rather high-level talks going on right now between the govt. and powers at the NYT.