Brasília, 5/12/2004 (Agência Brasil) - One of the counsels of the Brazilian Press Association (Associação Brasileira de Imprensa) (ABI), Carlos Chagas, who is a professor of ethics, as well as a journalist, condemned the May 9 article in the New York Times that said president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had a drinking problem. Chagas called the article an unjustified invasion of the president's privacy, based on gossip and rumors.

In testimony before the Economic Development Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, Chagas urged the immediate use of Article 220 of the 1988 constitution. "The article permits punishment for journalistic errors, which can include fines or suspension of activities," explained Chagas.

Translator: Allen Bennett