One of the most controversial aspects of the Eloa Pimentel case is the behavior of the media in reporting the case. The crime was broadcast live on television, showing the negotiations between Lindenberg-Alves and the police, and shocked the nation.
Presenter Sonia Abraon is one of the most controversial experts. At the time, the military veteran gave live interviews to the kidnappers and victims on Rede TV! on “A Tarde é Sua” while negotiations with the police were still ongoing.
This stance was severely criticized by authorities and experts as it risked direct interference in police activities. The public prosecutor’s office also discussed the possibility of holding the broadcaster responsible as the interview may have endangered the lives of the hostages.
In a 2014 interview with UOL, the host commented on the episode and said that he did not regret his attitude. “Our team was on the other end of the phone at Mr. Eloa’s house. We called and he answered. He agreed to speak, and reporter Luis Guerra recorded the story. Mr. Lindenberg was watching the show, but when our reporter called again, he said he was concerned and wanted to talk live. He didn’t want Brazil to think he was a criminal.”
“When I was presenting the program, the director alerted me that Lindenberg was on the phone. Using my experience as a journalist, I spoke to him, and I also spoke to Eloa. In the middle of the conversation, he stopped and hung up. Everyone looked at me: the police, the press, the public,” Sonia said.
remember the incident
Eloa Pimentel was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-girlfriend Lindenberg Alves in 2008. She was taken hostage in Santo Andre, São Paulo.
The case mobilized the nation and led to 100 hours of negotiations with police, who tried every method possible to save the boy alive and prevent a tragic outcome.
After four days of tension, Eloa was shot dead by her kidnappers. She was rescued, but did not recover from her injuries and was left brain dead.
The crime is depicted in the documentary Caso Eloá: Refém ao Vivo, which was recently released on Netflix. The film includes unpublished testimony from Eloa’s parents, brother Douglas, and friend Grazieli Oliveira, who speak publicly about the incident for the first time. The piece also features reports from journalists and authorities who followed the crime.
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