Abraji demands clarification on the execution of a Brazilian journalist in Paraguay

Abraji (Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism) regrets the death of Brazilian journalist Lourenco Veras, known as Leo Veras, murdered with 12 shots in the Paraguayan city of Pedro Juan Caballero on Wednesday night (February 12, 2020). Veras was responsible for the news website Pora News, which reports on the drug trafficking dispute on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, and had already received death threats. Abraji also demands agility from the authorities in clarifying the circumstances of the crime. Every murder of a journalist is an attempt to silence the messenger, compromising the freedom of the press.

Leo Veras had been working for more than 15 years in the Pedro Juan Caballero region, which borders the Brazilian city of Ponta Pora, one of the main ports of entry for drugs and weapons in Brazil. On January 19, 2020, the Paraguayan city was the scene of the escape of 75 prisoners, most of them linked to the criminal organization PCC from the regional prison. Sources close to Leo Veras reported to Abraji that the journalist was afraid of the situation and possible developments. 

In January 2020, a piece aired by TV show “Domingo Espetacular,” from Rede Record, included an interview with Veras, who claimed to be threatened by text messages on his cell phone, which told him to “shut his mouth.” In 2017, Leo Veras spoke with Abraji project’s Tim Lopes Program about the murder of fellow journalists Paulo Rocaro and Luiz Henrique “Tulu” in Ponta Pora. At the time, Veras reported that he and his wife hardly participated in public social events, for fear of violence: “I always ask that my death be not so violent, with so many rifle shots."

According to the Paraguayan National Police, the journalist was hit by about 12 9mm pistol shots. One of the bullets hit his head the moment he tried to run from the killers. Veras was rescued and sent to a private hospital in the Paraguayan city, but he died shortly afterwards.

Abraji offers its solidarity to the family, professional colleagues, and friends of Veras. Moreover, it reiterates the need for authorities to monitor threats to journalists and communication professionals closely. The government must provide all possible means to guarantee the security of the press.

Abraji is also evaluating the inclusion of the case in the Tim Lopes Program, which investigates murders of journalists and communicators in the exercise of their profession. Currently, the program investigates the deaths of broadcasters Jefferson Pureza, in the state of Goias, and Jairo de Sousa, in the state of Para.

Abraji Board of Directors, Thursday, February 13, 2020.