Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva said on Monday (4) that the Armed Forces defend independence between branches of government and consider aggression against journalists unacceptable.
The announcement comes in the wake of criticism from the government over recent decisions by the Supreme Court and the day after a protest where journalists were attacked and in which President Jair Bolsonaro said he was with the Armed Forces "at the side of the people.
"The Armed Forces fulfill their Constitutional mission. The Navy, Army, and Air Force are State bodies, which consider independence and harmony between the Powers essential to the country's governance," said a note from Azevedo e Silva.
He says that freedom of expression is a "fundamental requirement" in a democratic country, but he continues to say that "however, any aggression against media professionals is unacceptable."
"The Armed Forces will always be on the side of the law, order, democracy, and freedom. This is our commitment", concludes the Minister of Defense.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon