In advance of chairing a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the House Global Human Rights Subcommittee, has penned a letter to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) requesting information on serious allegations of human rights violations in Brazil.

            “The Subcommittee has been informed of serious allegations of human rights violations committed by Brazilian officials on a large scale,” Smith wrote to IACHR President Roberta Clarke and the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression Pedro José Vaca Villarreal.

            “Most notably, credible allegations have been made of mass violations of freedom of expression, including censorship imposed through abuses of judicial authority and the muzzling of opposition media,” Smith wrote.

            “In view of the mandate of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and particularly of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, to promote respect for human rights and freedom of expression, including to monitor and collect relevant reports, information on developments in Brazil, I respectfully request that you share any information you have concerning these human rights violations,” Smith continued.

            “Additionally, please inform the Subcommittee of what steps or measures the office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and the Interamerican Commission on Human Rights have taken to address the ongoing situation in Brazil and what suggestions—if any— it can make to this body to attend to it,” Smith added.

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