Passing of journalist Alberto Dines

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of journalist Albert Dines. As an advocate of free speech (also during the long state of exception in Brazil), Dines was and will continue to be an example for all those who fight for democracy and a free and high quality press.

During his seventy years of professional activity, in which he played a prominent role in some of the country’s leading newspapers, Dines (who was recently awarded the Order of Rio Branco) was, above all, a professional journalist, committed to ethics and highly dedicated to the perfection of the journalistic profession in Brazil. I owe Alberto Dines the proposal of a constitutional amendment that allowed legal entities to be shareholders in news organizations.

The “Observatório de Imprensa” (“Press Observatory”), which he founded and headed for over 20 years, is an essential reference and indispensable source of information for those following Brazilian politics. With its critical and independent views, it helped improve the fundamental role of the press in a democratic and pluralistic society.

I express my condolences to the family and friends of Alberto Dines, whose work and life will continue to inspire present and future generations to build a more prosperous and just country, to which independent journalism will continue to be an indispensable tool.

Aloysio Nunes
Minister of Foreign Affairs