Gelson Domingos da Silva

Gelson Domingos da Silva (c. 1965 – 6 November 2011), a Brazilian camera operator for the Rede Bandeirantes TV network, died while covering a drug bust in Rio de Janeiro as the government of Brazil prepared for its hosting of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Domingos was the first Brazilian journalist to die in this type of crime setting in Brazil.

Personal Information Domingos was 46 years old at the time of his death. He was married to Fabiana Domingo, and he had three children, Gabriela, Lorena and Gelson Junior, and 2 grandchildren, Emily and Julie, from his previous marriage at the time of his death. on the west side of Rio de Janeiro. What began that morning as a raid turned into a fierce shootout between the 80 military-trained soldiers who conducted the operation and the drug traffickers. Although Domingos was protected by a bullet proof vest during the operation, it was not of the strong quality that was used by the authorities. It is against Brazilian law for media personnel or others to wear the high-tech protection vests that the police and military wear. Afterwards police seized marijuana, cocaine, communications equipment and a weapons cache from the site. Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism said the authorities should be responsible for protecting journalists who cover their operations.

Reporters Without Borders said, "Security policy feeds on media coverage and this dependence is fraught with risks for journalists working in the favelas, where some of them also live. The security of all concerned – journalists, witnesses and residents – takes priority over a results-based culture or a drive for image."

Awards 2009 Vladimir Herzog Award (Vladimir Herzog de Anistia e Direitos Humanos) for a TV Documentary about murders in northern Brazil.