Ivan Rocha v Brazil (Admissibility Decision) IACHR (22 March 2011) Report No. 5/11

Ivan Rocha, a Brazilian radio journalist, disappeared in 1991 the day after he publicly broadcasted a report on the use of death squads in the southern part of the country including his plans to release names of participants.  While the State conducted an investigation into the events, the Commission held that irregularities and delays made the exhaustion of domestic remedies impossible for the victim’s family.  Further, the Commission highlighted the important context of his disappearance noting the ongoing serious violations of rights of journalists reporting on corrupt activities of officials in Bahia State.  Many of these deaths are linked to reporting on official participation in death squads, drug trafficking, and other criminal acts.  The Commission held the case was admissible for consideration.