Audio By Carbonatix
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been captured on camera threatening to punch a reporter in the face, after being asked about alleged family corruption.
https://t.co/0qieMaXHEz just one more reason Men should not be a Leader of any kind.
— Suzi ♫ wears a Mask. (@MessMakerPro) August 24, 2020
Bolsonaro, who was visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia on Sunday when a group of journalists met him outside, was seen on video threatening the O Globo newspaper reporter after being questioned about the allegations.
The journalist was seeking comment from the President over alleged deposits made by a former aide of Bolsonaro's eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, into a bank account supposedly belonging to first lady Michelle Bolsonaro.
President Bolsonaro was standing just steps from the Cathedral and told the reporter, "I feel like punching you in your mouth, okay?
"When CNN asked President Bolsonaro's office about Sunday's incident, his spokesperson refused to comment.
In early August, Brazilian magazine Crusóe published a report which claimed that FabrÃcio Queiroz, the former aide to Bolsonaro's eldest son, transferred around 72,000 Brazilian reals ($12,800) in checks to Michelle Bolsonaro between 2011 and 2016.
Queiroz is currently under house arrest as a result of an ongoing corruption inquiry involving Bolsonaro's son. President Bolsonaro has not commented on these latest allegations.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday threatened to punch a reporter in the mouth after being asked about his family's links to an alleged corruption scheme.
The Bolsonaro family is facing various investigations, including an alleged scheme involving Flavio Bolsonaro in the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro State.
The Brazilian Supreme Court has also opened an investigation into Bolsonaro's two sons, Carlos and Eduardo, for allegedly spreading fake news on the internet.
Other investigations include the family's claimed involvement in protests and the supposed interference in the appointment of the director of the Federal Police of Rio de Janeiro to stop the investigations against Queiroz.
O Globo, one of Brazil's major news companies, condemned Bolsonaro's actions against the journalist in a statement published on Sunday hours after the incident.
"GLOBO repudiates President Jair Bolsonaro's aggression against a newspaper reporter who was just doing their job performing his role, in a totally professional manner," the statement said.
Brazil's National Association of Journalists also issued a statement. "It is unfortunate that once again the president reacts aggressively and without fear to a question from a journalist. This attitude in no way contributes to the democratic and freedom of press provided in the Constitution," the statement said.
Sunday's incident also drew condemnation from Bolsonaro's critics. Alessandro Molon, a lawmaker for the state of Rio de Janeiro tweeted, "What is expected of a president is that he behaves at the height of his position. Threats to the press are threats to democracy itself."
Molon also accused Bolsonaro in the same tweet of trying to hide "his involvement in a criminal scheme."
Latest Stories
-
At least 153 dead after reported strike on school, Iran says
7 minutes -
President Mahama arrives in Tanzania to address African Court on human and peoples’ rights
18 minutes -
Ghana’s current surplus to average 3% of GDP in 2026 – Databank Research
34 minutes -
Cedi to depreciate by 7.20% in 2026
38 minutes -
Banks record GH¢15.0bn profit in 2025, a 43.5% growth Â
39 minutes -
The Africa Editors Forum honours Ghana’s Kwame Karikari with Lifetime Service to Journalism Award
40 minutes -
Weak revenue performance, pressures from compensation pose fiscal risks to economic outlook – BoG
40 minutes -
2025/26 GPL: Bechem United held to goalless draw by Karela United
46 minutes -
Specialised courts to fast-track justice on galamsey, corruption and financial crimes – Judicial Secretary
47 minutes -
Ghanaians urged to embrace specialised courts for effective justice delivery
1 hour -
Sextortion offenders face up to 25 years in jail – Judicial Secretary warns
1 hour -
Air Pollution responsible for a third of stroke, lung cancer and neonatal deaths in Ghana — 2025 SoGA Report
2 hours -
Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimer’s disease – new study
2 hours -
Tinubu overhauls Police leadership as River Park case, financial scandal trail Egbetokun’s exit
2 hours -
SONA: Mahama’s macro economic claims don’t reflect reality – Bekwai MP
2 hours
