3
Mar
2021
“Where the Sin Never Sets” in Swedish Book Review
My book about the seven deadly sins of the Lusophone world – Where the Sin Never Sets – have got an review in Swedish Book Review. One of there critics, scandinavianist and literary translator Ian Giles, tells that my “book provides insight into parts of the world readers may know little to nothing about”. Giles also... Read More
12
Jun
2019
Bolsonaro suffocates culture in Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO/DN Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has extinguished the Ministry of Culture and withdrawn support to film industry. The Brazilian right-wing populist wave has also censored art and reduced contributions to literature. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s cultural capital, is worst hit.
12
Dec
2018
João de Deus Accused of Sexual Abuse
A few years ago, I interviewed João de Deus for my book about Brasília, Fantasy Island – The Brave New Heart of Brazil. I had to stay in his town for several days to get it, because I had to wait for the answers of the spirits. When I got the interview, I had to wait back... Read More
2
Mar
2017
»The only thing the wall will give us is shade« – Meeting the Sinaloa Cartel at the US Mexican border
Donald Trump’s threat to build a wall between Mexico and the United States has increased the risks for migrants. Many are forced into the hands of the Sinaloa Cartel – the world’s most powerful drug cartel – which uses migrants to smuggle drugs into the United States. Dagens Nyheter has visited one of the cartel’s... Read More
29
Apr
2016
»You could smuggle a nuclear bomb« – Corruption and crime at the Tom Jobim airport
There is something magical about flying into Rio. You pass Sugarloaf Mountain, sail over Guanabara Bay and are greeted by unprecedented beauty. There is only one thing that does not work properly on your arrival. To access Rio, you must first pass through the airport. Before the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio I did an investigative report... Read More
8
Apr
2014
»Running with the Hawks« – Sócrates and the most violent supporters in Brazil
For a year, Corinthians’ supporters Gaviões da Fiel, the Faithful Hawks, have been preparing for carnival in São Paulo. They’ve chosen a theme for the parade, composed a samba and decorated their carnival floats with the supporters’ club’s main symbol – a hawk with an angry glare. In order to get over the previous year’s... Read More
8
Sep
2013
»To hell and back again« – A day in a Brazilian maids’s life
Zênaide Arruda dos Anjos’ black curls reach far down her back. She is beautiful, but life has worn her down. Zênaide is 41, though she looks ten years older. She bends her head over the sink and rinses the morning cups and plates with a practiced air. Her... Read More
1
May
2009
Sugarcoated Servitude – Brazil’s Biofuel Revolution
Every morning a company bus picks up day laborers from the villages surrounding the Santa Cruz ethanol factory on the east side of Brazil. They’re handpicked by opportunists, aka gatos, who “hire” migrants in the town square around harvest time. Read the full story here.