On August 4 2004 at nearly 4pm, equipment belonging to Rádio Comunitária Restinga de Porto Alegre/RS was apprehended by ANATEL (Brazil?s National Telecommunications Agency). Nearly a dozen policemen led the operation, in which all radio equipment was seized. Rádio Restinga is no stranger to censorship. In August 2002, all its equipment was sealed.

The search and arrest warrant was issued by the Federal Court of Criminal Justice of Porto Alegre on July 7 2004. The repression against Rádio Restinga comes at a time when Restinga residents have engaged in several protests to denounce the precarious health conditions in the neighbourhood. Rádio Comunitária was at the vanguard of these protests, gathering people?s opinions and receiving support from those residents involved in the protests.

The repression suffered by Rádio Restinga comes as a result of the campaign entitled ?Broadcasting against Illegality and Bootlegging?, which was devised by the Gaúcha Radio and Television Broadcasting Association (Associação Gaúcha de Emissoras de Rádio e Televisão, AGERT in Portuguese). This defamatory campaign, supported by ANATEL, the Judiciary and the Ministry of Public Service, was first launched by AGERT on July 2 2004. Among the measures taken as a result of this campaign is the improvement of search techniques and the creation of an elite police force to fight against ?illegal? radio stations.

Complete Report

Censorship against Rádio Comunitária da Restinga/POA | Rádio Comunitária Restinga abuse by the Federal Forces | Protests against the lack of medical personnel in Restinga | Protests advocating health improvements in Restinga (Photos)