IFLRY Condemns Intimidation of its Member in Brazil

IFLRY STATEMENT – The Brazilian Federal Government has acted with severe physical and psychological violence against its opposition since the protests of June 2013 brought more than 2 million people to the streets. The most recent case occurred on March 11, 2014, when Juliano Torres, national coordinator of the organization Students For Liberty, was summoned to testify at the Federal Police.

On March 13, 2014, Torres was interrogated for three hours, being questioned about all his political and ideological affiliations, his involvement in past and future demonstrations, possible sponsors, and his recent international travels – which included participation in the General Assembly of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) in Krakow, Poland. Students For Liberty is a member organization of IFLRY.

Christian Scharling, President of IFLRY: “We are outraged by these recent violations of political freedom in Brazil. Juliano Torres, like other activists, has actively and peacefully participated in various pro-freedom organizations and cannot be intimidated for belonging to the opposition.”

IFLRY further notes that this is part of a broader anti-democratic trend from the Brazilian presidency. Recently, President Dilma Rousseff defended Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in his fight against opposition protesters. In doing so, the Brazilian authorities have acted against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”

Composed of more than 100 liberal organizations from over 70 countries, IFLRY calls on the Brazilian authorities to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to refrain from acts of intimidation against the opposition. IFLRY further urges President Dilma Rousseff to demonstrate her commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by condemning the violence against protesters in Venezuela. IFLRY will remain vigilant in the fight against old and new dictatorships, denouncing abuses and attacks against democracy and human rights.