The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) strongly condemns the serious threats directed against journalist Lauro Jardim, columnist for the newspaper O Globo in Brazil.

The threats were reportedly made in the context of investigations related to the Banco Master case, including expressions of violence intended to intimidate the journalist because of his journalistic work.

As established in Principle 9 of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, “The murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and/or threats to social communicators, as well as the destruction of communications media violate the fundamental rights of individuals and strongly restrict freedom of expression. It is the duty of the States to prevent and investigate such occurrences, to punish their perpetrators and to ensure that victims receive due compensation.”

IAB values the actions taken by the Brazilian authorities to investigate these facts and protect journalistic activity, expresses its solidarity with journalist Lauro Jardim and with all media professionals in Brazil, and reaffirms its permanent commitment to the defense of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the Americas.

Montevideo, March 4, 2026.