Brazil articles on Democracy Chronicles

News about the struggle for better democracy in Brazil. According to Freedom House, the "electoral system encourages the proliferation of parties but struggles to manage persistent corruption". Also check out our section on World Democracy or our articles with news about South America.

Jail Term for Brazilian Comedian Gentili Harms Free Speech

by DC Editors - April 18, 2019

A Brazilian court’s decision to sentence a comedian to prison for offensive remarks about a congresswoman could have a chilling effect on free speech.

US Natural History Museum Cancels Event Honoring Brazil President

by DC Editors - April 16, 2019

U.S. Natural History Museum in New York on Monday cancels event that was set to honor Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro as “Person of the Year.”

Judge Bars Bolsonaro’s Coup Celebration in Brazil

by DC Editors - April 1, 2019

A Brazilian judge has ruled that the country’s president can’t celebrate of the March 31, 1964, coup that established a military dictatorship in Brazil.

Brazil’s Military Coup Commemoration Causes Anger and Unease

by DC Editors - March 28, 2019

President Jair Bolsonaro’s call to commemorate the anniversary of Brazil’s 1964 military coup is causing discomfort in Latin America’s largest nation.

Brazil Supreme Court Ruling a Blow to Corruption Probe

by DC Editors - March 16, 2019

Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that corruption cases involving illegal campaign donations should be handled by electoral courts.

PODCAST: Brazil’s Tenuous Relationship With Democracy

by DC Editors - March 6, 2019

Brazil’s tenuous relationship with democracy, is the election of Jair Bolsonaro in October 2018, going to take Brazil back to its authoritarianism?

Rio de Janeiro Carnival Begins With Bolsonaro Backlash

by DC Editors - March 3, 2019

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival officially began with street parties and revelry Friday amid expectations the first such celebration since Bolsonar took office.

A Voice for LGBT Rights Silenced in Brazil

by DC Editors - January 28, 2019

Brazil´s Congress has lost an important voice for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people at a time when it is most needed Jean Wyllys.

Brazil Weakens Law Aimed at Holding Government to Account

by DC Editors - January 26, 2019

Brazil’s on Thursday gave hundreds more public servants power to keep official records from public for decades by labeling them “secret” and “ultra-secret.”