Comics gagged during election

Comedians are fighting a law that gags them from mocking politicians in Brazil.

In what comics say is a draconian throwback to the nation’s dictatorship, which ended 25 years ago, it is illegal to make political jokes on TV or radio in the three months leading up to a presidential election.

And with a poll on October 3, the satirists are highlighting the restrictions on free speech with a series of protests this weekend.

Topical TV comic Marcelo Tas, pictured, told The Associated Press: ‘Do you know of any other democracy in the world with rules like this? If you want to find a bigger joke, you would have to look to Monty Python.’

And fellow comedian Helio de la Pena recently wrote: ‘Brazilian politicians are protected by absurd and exaggerated legislation. It's as if the poor things were suffering from bullying practised by the comedians.’

The law, which can be enforced by fines of up to £70,000 and suspension of broadcaster’s licences is designed to prevent candidates from being portrayed unfairly, and encourage candour free from the risk of being mocked. However, the internet and print media are excluded from the laws.

Published: 17 Aug 2010