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Scientists in Brazil have denied discrimination in protest of Bolsonaro

In total 21 scientists, who were awarded one of its highest honors Brazil, refused to receive their medals because Zaich Bolsonaru removed two of their colleagues from the list whose work apparently displeases the government.

The far-right president had suggested that 25 people be honored with the National Battalion of Scientific Value created in the country in 1992 to recognize the significant contribution of individuals to science and technology.

However, two days later he removed two distinguished scientists from this list.

One of them is Dr. Marcus Laserda, who conducted one of the first studies on the ineffectiveness of the use of chloroquine against Covid-19, which Bolsonaru has long supported in fighting the pandemic.

The other is Dr. Adel Benjaken, which fired by the head of the HIV / AIDS department of the Brazilian Ministry of Health when Zaich Bolsonaru became president in 2019.

“This is another clear proof of the persecution of scientists,” the 21 scientists wrote in an open letter, complaining at the same time. “A strategy of systematic attack on science and technology” on the part of the current Brazilian government.

In “this act of protest, which saddens us,” these scientists said they were “outraged by the destruction of the Brazilian university system and of science and technology in general.”

The Brazilian president has accepted Strong criticism from the scientific community for budget cuts in research and technology, the constant rejection of scientific results and the dissemination of false information, especially with regard to the coronavirus.

THE Bolsonarou, except his urge to use chloroquine for the treatment of this disease, despite evidence of its ineffectiveness, also ignored the recommendations of experts on mask use or restraint measures to combat the spread of the pandemic.

Speaking to AFP, Dr Benjaken said she was “honored” by her colleagues’ decision to refuse to take their medals in the face of the government’s “inelegant treatment” of her and Marcus Lackerda.

“That was the greatest honor of all,” he added.

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