The National Order of Scientific Merit was established in Brazil in 1992 to recognize the authors of the most important contributions to science and technology. It is an honor to receive this honor, one of the highest honors in the country.

Twenty-one scientists, on Saturday, November 6, refused to accept their prestigious medals. They are protesting against the choice of Jair Bolsonaro to cut this distinction in the list of recipients. The far-right president actually appointed 25 people, and two days later, removed two prominent scientists from the list.

One of them was Marcus Lazerda, who conducted one of the first studies on the ineffectiveness of chloroquine covid-19, and how far Mr. Bolzoni had argued in the fight against pandemic. Another is Adele Bensacon, who was ousted as head of the HIV / AIDS division of the Brazilian Ministry of Health when Jair Bolsonaro became president in 2019.

“A protest that makes us sad”

“This is another clear demonstration of the persecution of scientists.”, 21 protesters wrote in an open letter, which they also condemned “Strategy of a planned attack on science and technology” From the current Brazilian government.

Way “This protest that makes us sad”, These scientists say they express themselves “Anger over the destruction of the Brazilian university system and science and technology in general”.

Jair Bolsonaro has been widely criticized by the scientific community for cutting research and technology budgets, rejecting scientific results, and spreading misinformation, especially about Kovid-19.

In addition to his call for the use of chloroquine to treat this disease, the President ignored the recommendations of experts regarding the use of protective masks or the use of pandemic, despite evidence of its effectiveness.

In an interview with the agency France-Press, Shri.^Me Benzaken s’est dite “I have the utmost respect” By the decision of her colleagues to reject their medals before she described it as treatment “Not so great” Government to him and his colleague Marcus Lazerda. “It was the greatest honor of all.”, She added.