Initiative presented by deputy Érika Kokay establishes penalties ranging from two to six years in prison, in addition to fines, for those who disseminate false information that harms the democratic process
Last Wednesday (18), the deputy from the PL of Minas Gerais, was appointed as rapporteur of a bill that aims to criminalize the spread of false news during elections. The initiative, presented by congresswoman Érika Kokay, from the PT of the Federal District, was filed in June 2024 and establishes penalties ranging from two to six years in prison, in addition to fines, for those who disseminate false information that could harm the electoral process. .
“In the current Brazilian historical-political context, we are witnessing with immense concern the profusion of a true disinformation machine on social networks and in many other means of communication, in which, whether due to ignorance or bad faith, freedom of expression is confused with freedom of attacking democratic institutions and destroying other people’s reputations without the slightest shame,” said Kokay.
However, with the end of the legislative year scheduled for December 20, it is unlikely that the project will be discussed in 2024. The continuity of the project will depend on the new presidency of the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) and the possible permanence of Nikolas Ferreira on the commission in 2025. This situation raises uncertainty about the future of the proposal and its viability. It is worth mentioning that the project’s guidelines contrast with the convictions of Nikolas Ferreira, who is widely recognized for his defense of unrestricted freedom of expression.
*Report produced with the help of AI
Posted by Victor Oliveira
