Commission cites risk to press freedom after seizure of cell phones and computers belonging to Luís Pablo, author of Blog do Luís Pablo, in an operation authorized by Moraes.
The Committee for the Defense of Freedom of Expression and the Press of the (Brazilian Bar Association) in Maranhão released a note on Wednesday (11.mar.2026) in which it expresses “institutional concern” with searches authorized by the STF (Supreme Federal Court) at the home of a journalist from Maranhão.
Journalist Luís Pablo Conceição Almeida, who publishes Luís Pablo’s Blog, had cell phones and computers seized by the Federal Police on Tuesday (10.mar.2026). Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), authorized the operation on March 4. The investigation into the case is being carried out under judicial secrecy.
The OAB-MA emphasizes that the Federal Constitution has the press as fundamental guarantees of the Republic. He also highlighted that the Supreme Court itself has previously decided that search and seizure measures against press professionals require extra caution.
The note reinforces that it is necessary to respect the confidentiality of the source – the journalist’s right not to reveal who passed on the information – and ensure that the professional can work freely.
The Maranhão section informed that it will monitor the case and reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of historical flags, such as:
- due legal process;
- the adversarial and broad defense;
- defense access to the investigation records.
The commission declared that it will remain vigilant to protect the rights of journalists and communicators who work in Maranhão against any type of abuse.
Read the note in full:
“PUBLIC NOTE
“The Commission for the Defense of Freedom of Expression and the Press of the Brazilian Bar Association – Maranhão Section (OAB/MA) monitors the information regarding the execution of a search and seizure warrant at the residence of a journalist from Maranhão, which occurred on March 10, 2026, by order of the Federal Supreme Court, within the scope of an investigation that is being processed under judicial secrecy.
“According to information released, during the investigation, equipment used in the exercise of journalistic activity was seized, including computers and cell phones, which causes institutional concern, as Article 5, sections IV, IX and XIV of the Federal Constitution ensures freedom of expression and the press as fundamental guarantees.
“In this sense, it is important to mention that according to the Supreme Court’s own jurisprudence, search and seizure measures must be carried out with caution and within the strict limits of the investigation that may be ongoing, as well as the need to comply with the constitutional text regarding the preservation of source secrecy and protection of the free professional exercise of the activity.
“Thus, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to the protection of freedom of the press and to the defense of constitutional guarantees that ensure the free exercise of journalism, remaining vigilant in safeguarding the rights of journalists and communication professionals who work in the State of Maranhão, especially with regard to the defense of historic flags of the OAB, such as the indispensable observance of due legal process, contradictory and broad defense, as well as full access of the defense to the files, in accordance with the Constitution and current legislation.
“Commission for the Defense of Freedom of Expression and the Press
“Brazilian Bar Association – Maranhão Section (OAB/MA)
“São Luís (MA), March 11, 2026.
“CDLEI/OAB-MA”
