Union of Journalists condemns Ventura’s ‘deeply unfair’ statements

The Union of Journalists (SJ) this Saturday deplored and condemned the “attacks and slander” that journalists were subjected to in President Chegi’s statements, which he considered “deeply unfair” and demonstrating a “violation of democratic values.” “.

On Friday, Chega leader Andre Ventura accused journalists of being “enemies of the people,” using a phrase repeatedly used by former US President Donald Trump.

At the heart of the accusation were questions from journalists about a video posted on social media by Andre Ventura, which showed part of his interaction with an immigrant who approached him on Thursday at an election rally in Povoa de Varzim.

Today, in a publication on its official page, the Union of Journalists recalls that these types of accusations have already been used by other political forces in other countries, including leaders considered undemocratic, in response to work to verify actions, statements and sequences of actions. figures and political forces.

In addition to condemning “inflammatory statements against journalists,” the union accuses Chega of manipulating a video attributed to SIC and distributing it on social networks “in order to create an alternative version of the facts reported by journalists in accordance with their functions.” through a targeted act of disinformation.”

In a video posted on social media, Chega uses only part of the interaction images to suggest that the immigrant lied about his nationality and profession. In Chegi’s subtitles, the man claims to be Indonesian and a fisherman, despite telling reporters he is a Bangladeshi citizen.

Chega omits the part where Andre Ventura asks him directly if he fishes, and the man responds in laborious Portuguese that he works in greenhouses and helps other Indonesian immigrants who are fishermen.

When questioned by journalists, Ventura refused to claim that the video was doctored and insisted that the man told him he was from Indonesia and then “then said he was from Bangladesh”, preferring to rail against the media, especially the SIC, calling him “unfortunate”. the work done by this TV station.

“If anyone lied first, it was you… yesterday you were enemies of the people, enemies of the people. By sharing false, deceitful information and manipulating people,” he accused, using Donald Trump’s expression.

Given the current situation, the Union of Journalists hopes that Chega will clarify the importance he attaches to free and independent journalism and “retract his leader’s statements,” which he considers “deeply unfair and pointing to a rollback of democratic values.” the kind of person who should be at the forefront of your defense.”

The union still states that it does not currently find the conditions to accept the request for a meeting made by Chegi’s deputy and the vice-president of the 12th Committee for Culture, Communications, Youth and Sports, Jorge Galveyas.

“SJ understands that there are no conditions for a meeting with those who attack with the aim of discrediting and slandering the professional journalistic class and the media,” he states.