Lula’s Brazil: A Cautionary Tale for Free Speech in the West

It is foolish and naive to believe that censorship will be “temporary” or “restricted.”
Lula’s Brazil: A Cautionary Tale for Free Speech in the West
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a ministerial meeting at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 18, 2024. Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images
Paulo Figueiredo
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The notion of censoring political opponents is as old as civilization itself. Throughout history, countless governments have employed this tactic to silence dissent and maintain their grip on power. From ancient Rome to modern-day dictatorships, the suppression of free speech has been a hallmark of authoritarian rule.

Paulo Figueiredo
Paulo Figueiredo
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Paulo Figueiredo is a journalist, political commentator, and host of “Paulo Figueiredo Show.”