Brazilian government denies it was aware of espionage

Criado em 10/07/13 17h34 e atualizado em 12/07/13 11h00
Por Sabrina Craide Edição:s Fonte:Agência Brasil

Brasilia – The presidential press office (“Secretaria de Comunicação Social da Presidência da República - Secom”) denies reports that the Brazilian government authorized or knew of espionage by United States intelligence organizations. Reports claim that there was surveillance of telephone and email communications. “The participation of any Brazilian – a person, an institution or business company – in these activities is unconstitutional, illegal and subject to legal penalties,” said a Secom note.

At the same time, the American ambassador in Brazil, Thomas Shannon, has been called to appear before an “inter-ministerial technical group,” to explain what happened. “Based on what the technical group digs up we will make a request to the American government for further information,” said Secom, adding that the Federal Police will open a formal inquiry and that the telecommunications regulatory agency (“Anatel”) is expected to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, president Dilma Rousseff declared at the beginning of the week when the accusations became public that she has sent a request for explanations to Washington. “Brazil’s position is very clear, very firm: we oppose this kind of interference here in Brazil and in any other country,” she declared.

Finally, minister Antonio Patriota added that the Brazilian government intends to take the matter to the United Nations General Assembly and the International Telecommunications Union.

Editors: Juliana Andrade / Licia Marques
Translators: Mayra Borges / Allen Bennett