The social media platform X temporarily suspended the account of Chega leader André Ventura on Tuesday. Although the suspension has since been lifted, Ventura condemned the action, labeling it a “shame” and a violation of “freedom of expression.”
The issue arose following the posting of a video showing two Romani women allegedly fleeing after being caught stealing. However, the post did not specify when or where the purported crime took place.
“Something happened that shouldn’t have happened. The social media platform X blocked me again, this time for posting a video in which Romani women are caught stealing, identified, and fleeing while being filmed,” Ventura reported.
He criticized X, which was “acquired by Elon Musk, who claimed to defend freedom of expression,” for adhering to “the same rules as before.”
Esta conta do X esteve ontem suspensa. Era bom que todos percebessem definitivamente que a liberdade de expressão, agrade ou não a certos setores, é uma parte fundamental da democracia. pic.twitter.com/I5R5XXvNVo
— André Ventura (@AndreCVentura) April 9, 2025
He added, “This is not freedom of expression, this remains the system’s persecution of those who expose the truth and speak differently. It’s not about racism or xenophobia.”
“It’s a shame to be blocked with hundreds of thousands of followers just days or weeks before the elections,” he concluded.
