According to a written copy of his police testimony, he said he was angered by Arantes' public campaign for strict restrictions to control the coronavirus outbreak. Critics say Bolsonaro's stance has helped turn friendly neighbors into bitter foes, and led to threats and violence against those who support or enact containment measures. RISING TENSIONSEven before the pandemic, Brazil was suffering from rising political violence. "During the pandemic ... Brazil registered an explosion in cases of violence against journalists," it said in its report. Asked why he did it, Assis told police he "didn't like the newspaper editor's pronouncements."

Source: The Star June 23, 2021 16:41 UTC